JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – With a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination now approved under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for children ages 5 to 11, Ballad Health is providing the vaccine in its Community Vaccination Center (CVC).
The shots will also be given in Ballad Health Medical Associates offices that treat pediatric patients. Established patients can begin calling to make appointments to receive the vaccine.
Shots have undergone rigorous testing
The shots have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation and received the EUA by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approval by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and final guidance and recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ballad Health, as it has with all COVID-19 vaccine progress and availability, has followed full guidance by federal and regulatory agencies.
“This is an encouraging move forward in the continued fight against COVID-19, and it’s very welcome news to many parents,” said Jamie Swift, Ballad Health’s chief infection prevention officer. “We’ve seen, from the shots we’ve provided to people age 12 and older so far, that these vaccines are safe and effective, and so we’re excited to be able to offer them to more of our community members.”
Ballad Health is well-prepared for this step
Through the Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network, Ballad Health’s CVC and pediatric practices are well-prepared for pediatric vaccine patients. The health system has been planning for approval for several weeks and worked with our child life specialists to ensure the CVC is a child-friendly environment, with smaller syringes and distraction items on hand.
Where to get the vaccine for ages 5-11
Ballad Health Medical Associates Pediatrics offices are located throughout the Appalachian Highlands, and many are accepting new patients.
- To find a pediatric clinic, please visit www.balladhealth.org and click the Find a Doctor tab. Parents can also learn more about Ballad Health Medical Associates Pediatrics by calling Nurse Connect at 833-833-5523.
- Ballad Health’s CVC inside the Mall at Johnson City is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other vaccine information
In addition to providing first- and second-dose vaccines for children ages 5-11, the CVC offers COVID-19 vaccines for everyone older than 12, as well as boosters for those age 65 and older; long-term care residents and staff; adults who work and live in high-risk settings, including healthcare workers, teachers and grocery store workers; and adults with immunocompromising conditions, such as cancers, asthma, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and COPD.
- Community members must bring a photo ID when they arrive for their vaccine, and healthcare workers should bring their work ID badge.
- Second doses will be scheduled when patients check in, and everyone must be observed for at least 15 minutes after receiving the shot to monitor for any possible side effects.
- Children and teenagers from 5-17 years old must have a parent or guardian with them at all times.
- The CVC will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and Thursday, Nov. 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Masks are still required in all Ballad Health facilities, which include the CVC, pediatricians’ offices and mobile vaccination events.
To fully bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control, Ballad Health continues advocating for wearing masks in public and COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone who is eligible.
