Oneida County announces plan to administer COVID-19 vaccine to kids aged 5-11

UTICA, N.Y. — The Oneida County Health Department will start administering COVID-19 vaccine to kids aged 5-11 beginning Tuesday at its Utica Health Clinic.

The first county-operated POD (point of distribution) administering the pediatric vaccine will take place on Tuesday (Nov. 9) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oneida County Health Clinic at 406 Elizabeth St. in Utica.

Those interested can make appointments at www.ocogv.net. Oneida County says it will schedule future PODs soon at the Utica and Rome Health Clinics, per its Friday news release.

“The next advancement in the fight against COVID-19 is finally here, as we can now protect our 5 to 11 year-olds through vaccination,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. said Friday. “This will lessen disruptions to in-class learning at our local schools and help return a sense of normalcy to more of our children. Oneida County is happy to offer these shots at our PODs and is dedicated to ensuring the health of all our residents.”

Oneida County is also partnering with Slocum Dickson and local school districts to administer the vaccine at various other locations that will be announced later.

The pediatric vaccine will also be available at participating pharmacies and through local pediatricians as well, including Dr. Chamkurkishtiah P. Rao’s practice in New Hartford.

“I strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19,” Rao said. “It’s safe and effective, and I am glad to provide this protection to my patients.”

The pediatric vaccine, which is developed by Pfizer, is a lower dose formulated specifically for children. Two doses should be administered at least 21 days apart in order to be considered fully vaccinated.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved emergency use for the shot on Oct. 29 and it was recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Nov. 2.

The New York State Department of Health has cleared its administration.