FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health now offers Moderna COVID-19 vaccination shots for children 6 months to 5 years old starting tomorrow, June 22. Shots will be administered at the Cumberland County Department of Public Health located at1235 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville.
Pfizer vaccines to follow later this week as vaccine shipments arrive.
Children ages 6 months to 5 years old can now receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration authorized lower doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all children ages 6 months to 5 years get either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccines to protect against serious illness and help keep them healthy.
“We are excited to offer vaccines to the 6 month to 5 year old population who make up nearly 7.5% of Cumberland County’s population,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, Cumberland County Public Health Director.
Children ages 6 months to 5 years old are eligible to receive two doses of the Moderna vaccines, administered 28 days apart. Each dose is one-fourth the amount of the dose given to adults. The Moderna vaccine was found to be 40-50% effective in preventing milder symptoms.
Children 6 months through 4 years old are eligible to receive a total of three doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The first and second doses are administered three weeks apart followed by a third dose at least two months later. Each dose of the Pfizer vaccines is one-tenth of the amount given to adults. The Pfizer vaccine was found to be 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
Regardless of health insurance or immigrations status, everyone ages 6 months and older can receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Walk-ins will be accepted at the clinics.
These vaccines were tested and reviewed by the FDA and CDC and their independent scientific committees to ensure they are safe for children. There were no safety concerns or serious side effects noted in the clinical trials. Temporary side effects for kids under the age of 5 are similar to older kids and adults. These include a sore arm, headache and being tired or achy for approximately one day.
Minors 16-years-old or younger, need a parent’s or guardian’s consent for the immunization. Please visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines/kids for more information about this age group.
Testing
Effective June 30, Cumberland County Department of Public Health will gradually scale down the three drive-thru testing locations operated by State-approved vendor Optum Serve due to the availability of free at-home tests, numerous community testing locations, and effective vaccine and treatment options available to residents.
Tuesday, June 28 will be the last day for COVID-19 testing at Manna Church. Wednesday, June 29 will be the last day for testing at Abney Chapel. Friday, July 29 will be the final day of drive-thru testing at county sites with the exception of the Public Health Department.
The Health Department COVID-19 test site at 1235 Ramsey St. will remain open for drive-thru testing, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM. Free rapid antigen testing and PCR testing are available. No appointment is required.
The COVID-19 test site at Fayetteville State University is not affected by this change.
“Throughout the pandemic, several churches and community organizations have partnered with us to serve as a COVID-19 test site, helping residents across the county access critical testing resources. We are grateful to each of these agencies,” said Green.
There are more than 40 testing locations available in Cumberland County., including a one-stop Test to Treat site. Please visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/testing-treatment to find a testing location or a one-stop Test to treat site.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests:
- Federal Program: Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests. This latest update is offering up to eight rapid antigen tests per household. Tests can be ordered at covid.gov/tests. There is no cost for the tests and no shipping fees.
- State Program: The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and LabCorp also have a program to request free at-home testing kits. These PCR tests must be mailed back to a lab in a postage-paid envelope.
- Cumberland County: Individuals can pick up a free antigen at-home test kit from at the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey Street, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment required. Five free test kits per household are available while supplies last.
Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth for more about the Cumberland County Department of Health.