The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given “emergency use authorization” to both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the Pfizer option for people ages 16 and older while the Moderna vaccine is for ages 18 and older.

Both TLC offices have been approved to distribute the COVID vaccine. When it is approved for use in children and adolescents, we can provide the vaccine to those patients who decide it is the right option for them. As soon as we are made aware of which vaccines we are being given, we will post that information as well as links to its safety data.

While we await further word on vaccine availability and distribution, Arizona’s infection rate is at an all-time high. What we know for certain is that the average citizen who does not fall under certain categories — healthcare workers, essential workers, residents of skilled nursing facilities, individuals over age 65, and those with pre-existing conditions — will likely start receiving vaccinations in March and April. That leaves us with a number of months to remain vigilant.

Although we are all tired of the social limitations resulting from the pandemic, TLC Pediatrics encourages each patient and family member to continue observing safety measures including mask-wearing in public, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick.

TLC offices continue to focus on keeping patients, parents, and staff safe by:

  • Seeing sick visits curbside while non-illness related visits and well checks are inside the office
  • Offering curbside COVID testing for patients who are ill or have been exposed. While most centers do not always provide COVID testing on young children, TLC providers perform testing, check vital signs and lungs, provide recommendations and follow-up care instructions. TLC also offers additional curbside testing when needed at the time of your visit such as testing for strep or flu. This is why the appointment is a billable visit although the actual testing for COVID is provided at no cost at this time.

As we continue to learn more, we will share with you in-office, on our website, and on social media. We are grateful for your continued trust in our care!

For more information on Coronavirus please visit CDC.GOV.