Hy-Vee offering free Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at select pharmacies

(ABC 6 News) – Hy-Vee is offering free Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations by appointment only to children ages 3+.

Last week, the FDA and CDC approved a 3-dose Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years old and a 2-dose Pediatric Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for patients ages 6 months to 5 years old. Under the PREP Act, retail pharmacies, including Hy-Vee pharmacies, are ONLY authorized to administer vaccines to patients ages 3+. Patients younger than age 3 should visit their pediatrician or healthcare provider to receive the vaccine.

A parent or legal guardian must consent to the vaccination and accompany all minors to their vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccines are free to all eligible patients, regardless of their insurance coverage.

It is recommended (but not required) that vaccine recipients/guardians bring the following to their appointment: insurance card (if they have insurance) and Medicare Part B red, white and blue card (if Medicare recipient); photo ID; and their COVID-19 vaccination record card. Masks are required. If patients do not have insurance, they can still be vaccinated.

Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (ages 3 or 4)

The Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, approved for ages 3 or 4, requires three vaccine doses. The second dose should be administered at least 3 weeks after the first dose, and the third dose should be administered at least 2 months after the second dose. A COVID-19 booster is NOT approved for Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech (ages 3 or 4) vaccine recipients at this time.

Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (ages 3 to 5)

The Pediatric Moderna vaccine, approved for ages 3 to 5, requires two vaccine doses. The second dose should be administered at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

Moderately to severely immunocompromised children ages 3 to 5 (as outlined by the CDC) are eligible to receive a third (primary) dose of the Pediatric Moderna vaccine at least 4 weeks after the second dose. A COVID-19 booster is NOT approved for Pediatric Moderna (ages 3 to 5) vaccine recipients at this time.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines at Hy-Vee, visit here.