Sanford, Essentia ready with child COVID-19 vaccines

(Fargo, ND) -- Representatives from Sanford and Essentia say they are ready to go with COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages five to eleven.  

The CDC officially approved the Pfizer vaccine for children this week. Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have all recommended the vaccine for children.

“This is a significant milestone in protecting our young patients and putting an end to this pandemic,” said Melissa Horner, M.D., pediatrics department chair at Sanford Fargo. “The vaccine is safe and effective. As a children’s physician, I am grateful that we are now able to offer this vaccine for children and our community.”

Sanford Health will begin scheduling and administering the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 on Thursday by MyChart, or calling 1(877) 701-0779.

“Our children have had nearly two school years disrupted by COVID-19, not to mention some children being seriously ill — and even dying — from the virus,” said Dr. Jonathan KenKnight, a pediatrician at Essentia. “With safe and effective vaccines now available for this age group, we are another step closer to ending the pandemic. We at Essentia Health encourage vaccinating your children to keep them healthy and safe so that they can continue in school and other activities.”

To schedule an appointment through Essentia, you can also go through your MyChart patient portal or by calling (833) 494-0836. There will also be a special combo event for COVID and flu shots for Thursday, November 11th at the Essentia Health-West Fargo Clinic off 13th Avenue East from 5-8pm. The event is walk-in only, and will have treat bags for kids and prize drawings for adults.