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The Beaufort County Health Department announced Thursday that it will begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 starting Monday, Nov. 8.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a lower dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that children ages 5-11 get vaccinated.

Parental/guardian consent is required. To make an appointment, visit www.bchd.com or call 252-940-6150.

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against the virus that causes COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated.”

Just over half of Beaufort County’s total population had been completely vaccinated as of Wednesday. The fully-vaccinated rate for the adult population is approximately 61%, and the rate for the age group 12-17 is 25%.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, children are given two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Each dose is one-third the amount given to people ages 12 and older.

“Children are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus just like everyone else,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. “The authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provides a safe, tested way to protect them from serious illness and provide healthier, happier experiences in and outside of the classroom.”

NCDHHS advises parents and guardians to direct questions about COVID-19 vaccines to their child’s physician.

“Getting school-age kids vaccinated will help keep them safe to play sports, attend events, be with friends and do all of the other things kids love to do that they may currently be missing out on,” Cohen said. “I will be getting my daughters vaccinated this weekend. Don’t wait to vaccinate your kids, so they get back to safely being with family and friends, especially as we head into the holiday season.”