Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine.

The Indiana State Department of Health announced Nov. 3 that Hoosier children were able to get the pediatric Pfizer vaccine after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized it the day prior.

The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine that is currently authorized for those under age 18.

“Having a COVID-19 vaccine available to our younger Hoosiers is a game changer in terms of our efforts to keep children healthy and in school for in-person learning,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box.

“Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine if they are exposed but have no symptoms, so I encourage parents to get their children vaccinated if they are eligible.”

To find a site carrying the pediatric vaccine visit www.ourshot.in.gov. Look for the pin designating sites with pediatric vaccine on the map.

Beginning this morning, parents who wish to schedule an appointment for their child to receive the vaccine can do so at www.ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211 or (866) 211-9966 for assistance.

Supplies may be limited initially as shipments of the pediatric vaccine arrive on a staggered basis, according to ISDH.

ISDH encourages people to make an appointment or call ahead to ensure the vaccine is available at a site before visiting.

A parent or guardian must provide consent for the vaccine. Children under 16 must be accompanied to the vaccination appointment by an adult.

The pediatric dose of Pfizer is lower than the dosage for ages 12 and older, so parents should ensure they visit a site that carries the pediatric dosage.

Brown County Emergency Health Preparedness Coordinator Corey Frost said this morning the county health department, 200 Hawthorne Drive, received the doses for 5 to 11 year olds. The health department started taking appointments today.

Appointments to get the pediatric vaccine at the health department can also be made by calling 211 or visiting ourshot.in.gov.

Frost said the health department has received a lot of phone calls asking about the availability of the vaccine. The health department’s schedule is now booked out for the pediatric dosage until Nov. 30, he said.