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Here's where children can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Manatee County

Bradenton Herald - 11/14/2021

Nov. 11—Dozens of Manatee County pharmacies and clinics are offering the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

The pediatric vaccine has a smaller needle and a smaller dose compared to the shot made for teens and adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use in late October, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccine last week.

And both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians have endorsed the shot.

The vaccine, they said, can help to prevent severe illness or death, and it may stop children from spreading COVID-19 to vulnerable friends, family members, classmates and neighbors.

"The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh any potential risks for this population," the physicians organization said.

Here are some options for Manatee County families looking for a pediatric vaccine appointment or walk-in pharmacy:

MCR Health

MCR Health started offering Pfizer's vaccine at all of its pediatric sites Monday.

"The parents will need to call and schedule a nurse visit appointment," MCR President Patrick Carnegie said in a statement. "Parents will be required to complete a screening and sign our consent form."

MCR Health provided a list of nearly a dozen locations and phone numbers that parents can use to make an appointment.

AMA Gulf Coast Pediatrics, 941-747-2242

— Arcadia Children's Healthcare Center, 863-494-4433

Edgar H. Price Jr. Family and Children Healthcare Center, 941-776-4050

— Lawton Chiles Children and Family Healthcare Center, 941-708-8600

Manatee Elementary School Based Health Center, 941-348-1169

Manatee Pediatrics, 941-748-4602

— MCR Health Fruitville, 941-867-0127

South Manatee Pediatrics, 941-210-7942

Southeast High School, 941-245-0057

Venice Pediatrics, 941-493-3282

Whole Child Pediatrics, 941-366-2273

Local Pharmacies

FamilyCare Discount Pharmacy, 3633 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton, is accepting walk-ins for the pediatric vaccine. The store, in Suite B9, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Ellenton Discount Pharmacy, 8324 U.S. Highway 301 N. in Parrish, is open to walk-ins from noon to 6 p.m. weekdays. Families can also make an appointment online at the following link:

www.ellentondiscountpharmacy.com/pharmacy-covid-19-vaccine

Lakewood Ranch Pharmacy, 6310 Health Park Way, Suite 130, is taking appointments by phone at 941-907-1500.

"We do have consent forms that parents can fill out prior to the appointment if they need a caregiver to accompany the child to the scheduled appointment,"LuAnn Cathel, a supplement specialist, said in an email to the Bradenton Herald.

Chain Stores

Walmart and Sam's Club are offering the pediatric vaccine at 5,100 pharmacies nationwide, including several locations in Manatee County. Visit walmart.com/covidvaccine to find locations and book an appointment.

In a statement celebrating the new shot, Lisa Smith, the senior director of clinical strategy and operations for Walmart U.S., called the pediatric vaccine a gift that will protect kids and their communities.

"Initially, supply may be limited, so check availability via the scheduler before heading to the pharmacy," she said. "You can make an appointment to reserve your child's spot in advance, or simply walk in, based on availability."

Publix is offering both walk-ins and appointments for the pediatric vaccine at certain locations.

Appointments are available online — not by phone — at publix.com/covid-vaccine.

"Same-day appointments are not available," Publix said in a statement. "In-person parental or legal guardian consent is required at the time of vaccination for individuals under the age of 18."

CVS is accepting appointments at about 190 pharmacies in Florida. To check for locations in Manatee County, visit www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/covid-19-vaccine or download the CVS app.

Both tools will update with new stores as more vaccines become available.

"Our immunizers have been preparing for this important role, and stand ready to help answer parents' questions, guide them and their children through the process, and administer the vaccines safely, with kindness and caring," said Dr. Troyen A. Brennan, the chief medical officer of CVS Health.

Walgreens said that children can receive both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccine at the same time.

To make an appointment, visit walgreens.com/schedulevaccine or download the Walgreens app. Families can also make an appointment by calling 800-Walgreens.

"The COVID-19 vaccine is just as important to protect children as other routine immunizations are, and the expanded eligibility will help children stay in school safely and prevent severe illness due to COVID-19," said Dr. Kevin Ban, the chief medical officer for Walgreens.

This story was originally published November 11, 202112:21 PM.

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