LARGO, MD – Following reviews of clinical trial data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized and recommended Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months through 5 years old. Data show both vaccine brands provide safe and effective defenses for this age group against COVID-19 infection and its most severe symptoms. 

The Pfizer vaccine is a three-dose series for children 6 months through 4 years old. The first and second doses are administered three weeks apart, and the third is administered two months later. The dosage is one-tenth the strength of the adult version. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is already authorized for use in individuals 5 and older.

Moderna’s first pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is for children 6 months through 5 years old. It is a two-dose series administered four weeks apart at one-quarter the strength of adult doses; the Moderna vaccine is already authorized for individuals 18 and older.

“It is exciting some of our youngest Prince Georgians can get the protection they need to reduce their chances of getting COVID-19 and, if infected, reduce the severity of their symptoms,” said Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter. “As a pediatrician and your Health Officer, I recommend County families vaccinate their babies, toddlers and preschoolers against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Younger children are usually spared the worst effects of COVID-19, but severe cases and deaths still occur. During the highly contagious Omicron wave, the hospitalization rate of children under 5 years old was higher than any previous point in the pandemic.” 

The Health Department encourages families, especially those with young children, get vaccinated at their pediatrician’s office where the environment is more familiar and comfortable. COVID-19 vaccine for these ages will also be available at retail pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and other health care providers across the County and the State. 

Health Department clinics will offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment only for County residents and County employees and their families. Department clinics typically focus on providing clinical services to residents who are underinsured, uninsured, and those who are insured under Medical Assistance.

Visit health.mypgc.us/covidvaccine or covidvax.maryland.gov to locate vaccine providers and make appointments. Residents may also call Maryland’s GoVAX Call Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX.

The department recommends you and your family or housemates get tested if anyone is feeling sick or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If positive, please stay home for at least five days and follow CDC isolation guidance. COVID-19 testing and treatment are available at pharmacies across the region as part of the federal government’s Test-To-Treat program. 

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