BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department will begin vaccinating children ages 5-11 on Monday with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

The health department is taking appointments now for children in this age group.

Additionally three clinics have been scheduled for children ages 5-11 only. Those clinics will be held:

• Benton Harbor - Monday, Nov. 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Benton Harbor - Wednesday, Nov. 17th from 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Benton Harbor - Tuesday, Nov. 23rd from 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A parent or guardian must provide consent before any minor under the age of 18 may receive their vaccination.

“We urge families to consider vaccinating their children 5 years and older,” said Guy Miller, interim health officer for the Berrien County Health Department. “Researchers have found the COVID-19 vaccination for this age group to be safe, effective and beneficial to reducing COVID-19 transmission in our community.”

Similar to the adult vaccine, it is a two-part series given at least three weeks apart. The dose for children is approximately a third of what adults receive. Doses for children will also be packaged differently and use smaller needles to protect against mix-ups.

The vaccine safety was studied in over 3,000 children ages 5 to 11 with no serious side effects detected in the ongoing study. Currently, the only vaccine approved for use in children ages 5 to 11 is the Pfizer vaccine.

BCHD continues to offer open scheduling for both first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine with appointment.

Appointments can be scheduled online at the health department's website.

Residents who need assistance in scheduling an appointment can call 1.800.815.5485.