City of Kansas City, MO

11/10/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Health Department now vaccinating young children against COVID

NEWS RELEASE

The Kansas City Health Department received its shipment of the Pfizer Biotech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday and quickly began vaccinating younger children whose parents have been eagerly awaiting this opportunity.

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old. The health department quickly submitted an order through the state and hit the ground running when the shipment arrived.

"I want my son and family to be safe, and this is the most reasonable and practical way to provide that protection. Children, and yes, adults too, struggle with keeping the mask on correctly over their nose. The vaccine will add another layer of protection for my child and countless others that are doing the same," said Lychelle Goff, whose 7-year-old son was vaccinated today at the health department.

The pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is one-third the dosage given to teens and adults. It will require two shots at least three weeks apart to get the maximum protection of the vaccine.

There are three ways to secure an appointment:

  • Call the city's hotline at 311 (or 816-513-1313
  • Call the Childhood Immunization Clinic at 816-513-6108
  • Book the appointment yourself at KCMO.gov/COVID

"Because demand is high, an appointment is strongly recommended. There may be some appointment slots available for walk-ins, but it's best to secure your spot so you and your child don't end up frustrated because of a long wait," said Frank Thompson, Kansas City's interim director of health. "If your child has a pediatrician that you know and trust, we also recommend you call them first for a COVID vaccination appointment. They know your child's health history and will be able to answer your questions."

We are receiving many calls from residents wanting an appointment or further information. If you cannot get through to customer service or our public health specialists, please keep trying or easily schedule your appointment using our online form.

The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine is currently available at these locations:
Kansas City Health Department
2400 Troost Ave.
Kansas City, Mo. 64108
Suite 1300 (COVID vaccination clinic)
Suite 1400 (Childhood immunization clinic)
(Every Monday through Friday)
The COVID vaccination clinic is open until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Northland Neighborhoods Inc.
5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway
Kansas City, Mo. 64119
(Every Wednesday and Thursday in November)

Knights of Columbus-Blue Ridge
5101 Blue Ridge Cutoff
Kansas City, Mo. 64133
(Every Monday & Tuesday in November)

In the weeks ahead, we will add additional locations and will hold pop-up clinics at schools and special events so families will have more opportunities to vaccinate their young children.