Updated COVID-19 Vaccinations Approved for Infants & Toddlers

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Infants and toddlers are now eligible to receive the updated, bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) is offering Pfizer-BioNTech for children 6 months through 4 years old. The updated vaccine protects against the original coronavirus and Omicron variants.

“We encourage parents to stay up to date on their kids’ COVID-19 vaccinations,” said Adrienne Byrne, Director of the Sedgwick County Health Department. “This updated formula is safe for even the youngest children and will protect them from serious illness and hospitalization.”

Early estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that adults who received the updated, bivalent vaccine had significantly better protection against hospitalization than adults without the update. Data on the effectiveness of the updated vaccine in younger age groups is expected in early 2023.

What parents need to know:

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is given in three doses to children 6 months to 4 years old. Those who have received two doses of the primary series can now receive the updated, bivalent Pfizer vaccine as a third dose two months after the last shot. A fourth, or booster dose, is not authorized for this age group.

The Moderna vaccine is given in two doses to children 6 months to 5 years old. Children up to age 4 who complete the primary series can receive an updated Moderna booster two months later. 5-year-old children can receive either the Moderna or Pfizer updated booster.

How to receive the vaccine:

For Pfizer and Moderna vaccine availability, please contact your own medical provider or clinic, or visit www.covid.gov.

SCHD’s Main Clinic at 2716 W. Central offers the Pfizer vaccine by appointment for children 6 months and older. To schedule, call 316-660-7300. Parent/guardian consent is needed for anyone under 18 to receive a vaccine.

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