UMC rolls out Covid-19 vaccine for children under 5
EL PASO, Texas - The University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) administered the first vaccine to a child under 5 Tuesday.
This is after the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for use in children ages 6 months to 5 years.
A 4-year-old received his vaccine at the UMC West clinic. His mother was eager to get him vaccinated because she has seen positive cases rise.
"When they asked me 'hey you want to bring your son for the shot' I was like 'yes, let's do it' so super excited," said Christina Mateo.
UMC is offering the Pfizer vaccine which consists of three doses.
Healthcare workers administering the vaccines attended multiple classes and training provided by the state specifically on safely providing vaccines to children.
UMC requests that a pediatrician be extra cautious with children.
"We have seen cases be on the rise recently and so even more so this is going to be that added layer of protection," said Claudia Mercado, UMC Administrator. "We are taking care of them and keeping them out of the hospital and the emergency rooms as well."
