AUSTIN, TX- Austin Public Health (APH) Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Following Federal Authorization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all children 6 months to 5 years old receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This age group is eligible to receive the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.
Updated recommendations include:
- Moderna (6 months to 5 years) – 2 doses given 4-8 weeks apart.
- Pfizer (6 months to 4 years) 3 doses. The 2nd dose is given 3-8 weeks after the 1st dose, the 3rd dose is given at least 8 weeks after the 2nd dose.
- Boosters are not currently recommended for this age group.
“This vaccine expansion comes at a critical time when we are dealing with new subvariants and high community transmission,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “These vaccines will help protect your children from severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization.”
Special training is needed to give injections to babies and young children. APH’s highly trained staff are ready to offer vaccines at Shots for Tots clinics and through the Mobile Vaccination Program (MVP). Historically, most people in Travis County get their shots at pharmacies or doctors’ offices, but APH continues to work to fill the gaps by serving at-risk and underserved populations at its clinics and through community outreach. . APH, which was recently awarded Exemplary Provider Status for Vaccination and Testing Services by the Compliance Team, has administered nearly 394,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine since December 2020.
Parents of children under 5 can skip the online appointment process and come in for their vaccine at the APH COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at Old Sims Elementary (1203 Springdale Rd., Austin, TX 78721).
- Wednesday and Thursday: 2 p.m.-7 p.m. (Moderna and Pfizer)
- Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Moderna and Pfizer)
Over 74% of Travis County’s previously eligible population (aged 5 and older) is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This same population is also eligible for a booster dose. The CDC recommends an additional booster for adults age 50 and older.
“Expanded Availability is another important step in building our community’s resilience and protection against COVID-19,” said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Families with small children can visit their doctor’s office or APH to get the vaccine and stay up to date on recalls. Vaccines at our clinics are free and do not require identification, d ‘insurance or proof of citizenship.’
Free N95 respirators
Wearing a properly fitted mask provides protection for yourself and those around you. Free N95 respirators are available at some local pharmacies. Use a feature on the CDC website to find a location near you.
Free COVID-19 tests
APH encourages testing before and after gatherings, especially if you plan to be in close contact with people at risk. A third set of free mail-order COVID-19 test kits is available from the federal government. You can also get free rapid antigen tests at APH’s Metz Elementary testing site (84 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St., Austin, TX 78702).
Information on tests and vaccination
Find vaccine providers by using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting your zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a clinic near you.
APH clinics offer walk-in COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, though creating an online account in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require ID or insurance. For more information and to make an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.
A list of Travis County vaccine distribution events is available online.
The APH Mobile Vaccination Program brings vaccination clinics to businesses, churches and more. APH asks all organizations to complete an online form to request a pop-up clinic.
About Austin Public Health
Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic disease and improve health outcomes.
