Pediatric COVID vaccines available in Tri-Cities

HASTINGS, KEARNEY, GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Health departments that cover the Tri-Cities have announced it’s ready to provide the COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as six months old.

Two Rivers, South Heartland and Central District have received doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine.

This latest authorization from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention means that over 17 million children across the U.S. can be protected against the worst symptoms of COVID-19.

”Many parents have been waiting for this news and we are glad to be able to provide vaccination for their children,” Teresa Anderson, CDHD Health Director said. “We are here to answer questions from parents who are uncertain about these vaccines, and we encourage parents to talk to their child’s health care provider about any concerns they may have.”

South Heartland District Health Department Executive Director Michele Bever said health department staff are in the process of getting the vaccine and ancillary supplies inventoried and distributed to providers in the district.

“We know that COVID vaccination is very important for all ages and we are glad to finally be able to provide that option for parents wanting to protect their very young children,” Bever said.

Two Rivers Public Health Department said they will work with vaccine providers to ensure easy access to COVID-19 vaccines throughout the district.

“We encourage all citizens who are eligible to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. In addition, keep some at-home test kits on hand and to test if you experience any symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” recommends Jeremy Eschliman, Health Director.

Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are available at your local health department.

The Pfizer vaccine is administered as a primary series of three doses, while the Moderna vaccine is a primary series of two doses.

CDHD hosts vaccine clinics in Grand Island from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mondays – Fridays with Thursday clinics running until 6 p.m. Nomi Health also offers COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays.

Check southheartlandhealth.org, or call the office in Hastings for current information on vaccine availability, locations, and how to schedule an appointment.

As for Kearney, Two Rivers offers COVID testing at the department’s office at 516 W. 11th Street, Kearney. Testing is offered Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Those interested are required to register at https://login.registermytime.com/tw/2rphd for scheduling.

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