Knox County, IL – The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) announces that anyone ages 6 months and up are now eligible for a Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. “The parents of young children can breathe a sigh of relief as those 6 months and up are eligible to get their safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Michele Gabriel, Public Health Administrator. “Parents have been patiently waiting for a vaccine for younger children, and now we are ready to help our little ones get the best protection. I am grateful to every Knox County resident who has gotten their COVID vaccine, taking action to keep themselves, and all our friends, families, and neighbors safe. I urge parents to get their children vaccinated so they can enjoy their summer and get ready for the fall, knowing they are protected.
The Health Department will begin offering the infant and pediatric vaccines this Thursday, June 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Unified Command Center (former Bergner’s Building) located at 1150 W. Carl Sandburg Dr., Galesburg, IL. The Health Department Vaccine Clinic will be administering the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for all ages. Individuals under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A parental consent must be signed before the vaccine can be administered. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted upon the availability of vaccine. A link for the online registration is available at www.knoxcountyhealth.org and the Knox County Health Department & Knox Community Health Center Facebook page.
For children 6 months of age through 4 years, the Pfizer series is three doses, the first two are given three weeks apart and the third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose. For ages 5 and older, the Pfizer series is two doses give 21 days apart. The Moderna series is two doses given four weeks apart for ages 6 months and older.
“Being able to vaccinate children ages 6 months and up with the COVID-19 vaccine is a significant milestone that brings hope and protects our youngest residents,” states Gabriel. “Even healthy children can suffer serious affects from COVID-19, not just those with underlying conditions. We suggest that parents and guardians talk to their child’s medical provider with specific questions and how it offers protection.
Credible sources for information about COVID-19 include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov and Illinois Department of Public Health www.dph.illinois.gov. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931, email dph.sick@illinois.gov or call your Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224.