FILE - In this June 11, 2021, file photo, a healthcare worker administrates a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to a student during a vaccination clinic. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

With pediatric doses, boosters, and multiple different providers, the COVID vaccine situation is as varied as ever.

On Dec. 11, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave emergency use approval to the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 years and older.

A week later, FDA gave the same to the Moderna vaccine for those 18 and older.

Johnson & Johnson, for ages 18 and up, followed on Feb. 27.

In May, there was emergency authorization to give the Pfizer vaccine to those ages 12 to 15.

Then, in August, the administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for those ages 16 and up.

Booster doses for all three providers received emergency use approval in the last two months.

PEDIATRIC VACCINE

On Friday, FDA gave emergency use approval for the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 through 11.

Some parents are ready, but it’s not a simple matter of a medical professional pulling out a vial of Pfizer vaccine, drawing up the right amount and putting the dose in a younger arm.

According to Scott Newton, Gaughn’s Drug Store owner and pharmacist, the pediatric vaccine and the existing adult vaccine are not interchangeable.

“The pediatric dose is a separate vial with different dosing from the adult version,” he said.

So far, Gaughn’s does not have any pediatric doses.

That hasn’t stopped customers from calling.

“To help us minimize the overwhelming phone calls we are receiving, we ask the community, if possible, to please attempt to schedule online first by visiting Gaughns.com using our scheduling links,” he said.

Other community vaccine providers include CVS Pharmacy, Darling’s Sugar Grove Pharmacy, Sheffield Pharmacy, Tops Pharmacy, and Walmart, according to Warren General Hospital Medical Director Dr. Keith Price.

BOOSTERS

As of the end of October, there had been 1,387 booster doses given to Warren County residents.

At a Gaughn’s clinic Thursday at the Allegheny Community Center, more than 300 people received booster shots, according to Newton. Those interested in a booster may contact their provider or visit Gaughns.com.

There is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Commity on Immunization Practices about who should get a booster.

“On Oct. 21, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the ACIP recommendation for a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines in certain populations,” Price said. “The FDA authorization and CDC’s recommendation for use are important steps forward as we work to stay ahead of the virus and keep Americans safe.”

According to Price, “For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

¯ 65 years and older;

¯ age 18 and older who live in long-term care settings;

¯ age 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions; and

¯ age 18 and older who work or live in high-risk settings.”

Johnson & Johnson booster shots are “recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago,” Price said

“Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose,” he said. “Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.”

The list of high-risk conditions includes: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, dementia and other neurological conditions, diabetes, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, HIV, immunocompromising conditions; chronic liver disease; obesity; pregnancy; red blood cell disorders; smoking; stroke; substance abuse; and transplants.

High-risk settings, where people have a higher likelihood of being exposed due to where they live or work, include: health care and congregate care, first responders, education, food and agriculture, manufacturing, corrections, postal service, public transit, and grocery stores.