With the CDC recommending that children and adolescents age 6 months and older get the COVID-19 vaccine, Knox Public Health is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine for all children to help protect them from contracting and spreading the virus.

Knox Public Health offers both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children. Immunizations are administered by appointment. The patient’s insurance will be billed. There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive the COVID-19 vaccine even if the patient does not have insurance.

While children and adolescents are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, it is still possible. COVID-19 has become one of the top 10 causes of pediatric death, and tens of thousands of children and teens have been hospitalized with COVID-19.

Another important reason for children to get the COVID-19 vaccine is to protect their friends, family and the broader community from the spread of the virus. Higher vaccination rates lower the chances that the coronavirus will mutate into additional variants.

Public Health officials said that it is safe for children to get a COVID-19 vaccine and other routine vaccines, including the flu shot and pediatric immunizations, during the same visit.

To make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Knox Public Health, call 740-399-8008.