HealthPartners to begin vaccinating children 5-11 years old

Online scheduling available following CDC approval

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – HealthPartners will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to both current patients and non-patients ages 5-11 years old, by appointment only, starting Friday Nov. 5. Scheduling is available through our appointment centers and online at healthpartners.com/appointment.

“This is really big deal for families,” said Andrea Singh, MD, department chair of pediatrics at Park Nicollet. “Asymptomatic children who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are fully vaccinated will no longer have to quarantine. This vaccine is a safe and effective tool that can limit those disruptions we are all experiencing and get us back closer to normal.”

About 28 million kids in the U.S. are now eligible to receive the lower dose Pfizer vaccine. Due to high demand, immediate appointments for kids ages 5-11 years old may be limited. HealthPartners will proactively reach out to the parents or guardians of patients who are eligible via email or text. The notification will let parents know they can schedule an appointment; however, families don’t need to wait for an email or text to schedule.

“We understand this may be a difficult decision for parents. If you have questions about the safety of the vaccine please reach out to your pediatrician, family medicine clinician or other trusted health care provider,” said Dr. Singh. “Kids do get severely ill from COVID and effects can range from mild illness to severe illness needing hospitalization or ongoing symptoms. The vaccine is one option to protect your child’s health that we are excited to offer.”

A parent or guardian must attend vaccine appointments with their child. Parental or guardian consent is required for anyone under 18 years old to be vaccinated.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit healthpartners.com/covid-19/vaccine-faqs.