BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Some young children are already being vaccinated in Maryland following the federal government giving the approval to allow the shots for those aged five to 11.
It's almost time…! Appointments for our first COVID vaccine clinics for 5- to 11-year-olds will be released on our website (https://t.co/WYOxeDgebP) TOMORROW, THU 11/4 after 5PM.
A few important notes…
THREAD: pic.twitter.com/qnn0QvZsAk— Howard County Health Department (@HoCoHealth) November 3, 2021
We're hosting clinics this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6, in the former Sears building at @WhiteMarshMall.
Appointments. are required. Schedule yours at https://t.co/wa336mlZNO or by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 410-887-3816.#HealingStartsHere#CancelCovid
— Baltimore County (@BaltCoGov) November 3, 2021
Alert for when appointments will be released for vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 in Anne Arundel County @wjz https://t.co/EpqO5mm7o8
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) November 3, 2021
Governor Larry Hogan said he will not be mandating the vaccines for children and that parents should decide what is right for their child. “Ultimately, this decision is up to and should be up to Maryland parents and families,” Hogan said at a news conference Wednesday.
READ MORE: First Alert Forecast: Severe Thunderstorms May Move Into The Area MondayHogan says this decision to vaccinate young children is ultimately up to—and should be up to—parents @wjz
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) November 3, 2021
Dr. Kate Connor, a pediatrician with the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren side effects should be mild. “There’s absolutely variation from person to person. It’s important to note that in the pediatric trials, there were no serious side effects or adverse events noted,” Dr. Connor told Hellgren. “Kids did experience side effects that were similar to adults. Vastly, the most common is a sore arm. They can experience some mild viral-like symptoms—a low-grade temperature, some body aches, fatigue.”
Baltimore City released its vaccination plan that involves clinics next week and relies largely on giving vaccines in schools.
🚨 #BREAKING: Baltimore City announces plan to vaccinate children #COVID19 @wjz pic.twitter.com/RfQFMsVyMG
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) November 3, 2021
The state has updated its vaccination finder online for the expanded vaccinations. You can find it here.
READ MORE: Van Hollen Suffered Minor Stroke In Western Maryland Over The WeekendHogan says all 24 Maryland school systems will be holding vaccine clinics. @wjz
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) November 3, 2021
Maryland is also rolling out a public service campaign to convince parents the vaccine is safe.
Here’s some of the new advertising campaign for children and vaccines in Maryland https://t.co/VLYRLEblSM @wjz
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) November 3, 2021
Governor Hogan said Maryland has 180,000 initial doses and will be given 50,000 additional doses each week. There are more than a half million children in the five to 11 age group in the state.
The doses for children are one-third the adult dose. In order to be fully vaccinated, children must get two shots. They’re recommended to be given 21 days apart.
“I certainly hear questions and concerns from my patients. National polls have shown that a lot of parents are hesitant about this vaccine. I think it’s important for parents who have questions or worries to reach out to their pediatrician. We have these kinds if conversations with families about vaccines all the time—not just covid vaccines,” Dr. Connor said.
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