Brenner Children’s today began offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.
Appointments are now open at a number of locations across the region and can be scheduled by calling 336-70-COVID or online through myWakeHealth or www.wakehealth.edu/vaccine. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available.
“We are pleased to offer the COVID-19 vaccines to families who wish to have their 6-month-old to 5-year-old children vaccinated,” said Alisa Starbuck, D.N.P., president of Brenner Children’s and vice president of women’s and children’s health services at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “We encourage those who have questions to reach out to a trusted source, such as their child’s pediatrician. Our pediatricians are always glad to discuss any concerns families may have.”
“Vaccines are the most effective way that we, as pediatric providers, keep children healthy and the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines for our young patients are no exception,” said Anna Miller-Fitzwater, M.D., a pediatrician at Brenner Children’s and an associate professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “We have seen COVID-19 infect our youngest children and their families. Although COVID-19 is normally less severe in this age group, the virus can be life threatening for some children.”
“This is our shot to protect our children to the best of our ability and I am glad I was able to do that today,” said Cherece Grier, M.D., a pediatrician at Brenner Children’s and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Even though I am a pediatrician, I am making this decision as a mom. I am most excited about doing normal toddler activities with my kids, like starting preschool, doing swimming lessons, and going to the library and to birthday parties. I encourage parents to trust science and get their children vaccinated.”
“For many parents of young children, this has felt like a long wait that is now coming to an end,” Miller-Fitzwater said. “I encourage all parents to reach out to their pediatric provider with questions and to receive comprehensive information and help with making the decision. It is exciting to be able to offer a safe layer of protection to our patients from 6 months to 5 years of age.”
Media contact:
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu