Denise Newman, LPN, draws a syringe for of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination clinic in the Exhibit Building at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. San Juan Basin Public Health will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 on Thursday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer vaccine for children. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

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Denise Newman, LPN, draws a syringe for of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination clinic in the Exhibit Building at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. San Juan Basin Public Health will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 on Thursday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer vaccine for children. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

San Juan Basin Public Health will begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 on Thursday.

The decision was made in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine for the 5 to 11 age bracket.

“The eligibility of 5- to 11-year-olds for COVID-19 vaccine is a really positive step for our community, and one that families have been waiting for,” said Liane Jollon, SJBPH executive director, in a news release. “We hope that families will take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible.”

The 4 Corners Children’s Clinic in Durango began offering the vaccine to children 5 to 11 on Wednesday, said Jessica Rensner, owner and nurse practitioner.

It’s important to note that only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for youths 5 to 11. SJBPH asks residents to verify the Pfizer vaccine is being offered when signing up minors for COVID-19 vaccine appointments or walking into a clinic.

Families have options to either sign up for a community vaccination clinic, contact their pediatrician, or reach out to their preferred vaccine provider. SJBPH encourages residents to check its website for up-to-date information about available clinics for 5- to 11-year-olds.

“Getting more of our youth vaccinated will help ensure in-person learning is as safe as possible and protect kids in their extracurriculars, sports and day-to-day lives,” Jollon said. “SJBPH has been preparing for this moment by ordering pediatric Pfizer doses in advance and coordinating a range of clinics and providers across Archuleta and La Plata counties to meet the needs of families.”

Upcoming Pfizer vaccine clinics in Archuleta and La Plata counties include:

Parents and guardians are required to provide consent for minors to be vaccinated. The vaccine is free, and no ID is required.

SJBPH urges families to make appointments as soon as possible because it can take five or more weeks from the date of the first dose of Pfizer to reach full immunity.

njohnson@durangoherald.com