Morris Hospital hosting pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics

Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers will be offering two pediatric COVID-19 vaccination clinics in September for children 6 months to 5 years old who are in need of first and second doses. Due to limited supplies, appointments are recommended by calling the Morris Hospital location hosting the vaccine clinic.

The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held:

• from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wedneday, Sept. 7, in the upper level of the Morris Healthcare Center, 151 W. High St. in Morris. Call 815-705-3300.
• from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Morris Hospital Ridge Road Campus, 27240 W. Saxony Drive, Suite 201, in Channahon. Call 815-467-1518.

Children in this age group will receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine using smaller needles that are designed specifically for children. A second dose of the Moderna vaccine is needed one month after the first shot.

Children receiving the vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Although there is no out-of-pocket cost, participants are asked to bring their insurance card. Parents should allow time for a 15- to 30-minute observation period after administration of the vaccine.

COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, inflammatory syndromes and long-term complications, such as “long COVID,” in which symptoms can linger for months. Vaccination, along with other preventive measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescents and adults in the U.S.

In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was pain, redness or swelling at the injection site; fever; and swelling or tenderness of the lymph nodes.

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines also may be available through area retail pharmacies. Please check retail pharmacy websites for availability by location and appointment scheduling. Morris Hospital is not administering COVID-19 vaccines during physician appointments.

Parents who have questions about the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to talk with their child’s physician.