Two COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) are currently available. COVID-19 vaccines are available now to anyone 5 years old or older.

• The Centers for Disease Control says all fully vaccinated adults age 18 and over should receive the booster shot if it's been at least five months since you completed the Pfizer vaccine series or five months since completion of the Moderna vaccine series.
• At this time, only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-17.

Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children will only recommend and administer vaccines that the Food and Drug Administration has certified as safe and effective for all patients and employees, including our most vulnerable populations. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks of forgoing immunization. Both vaccines have been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and effective in preventing serious disease. Consent by a parent or guardian is required for anyone under 18. Consent can be provided through MyOchsner, during ePreCheck, or in person at a vaccination location.

Appointments are encouraged.

MyOchsner users can check availability and schedule their vaccinations via MyOchsner. If you have never been to an Ochsner location before and do not have a MyOchsner account, you can sign up at my.ochsner.org, visit Ochsner.org/appointment-availability or call 1-844-888-2772.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) are recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authorization for expanded use. Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children highly encourage vaccination of all eligible children as well as adolescents and adults.

Children given the Pfizer vaccine receive a two-dose regimen of 10 micrograms each, which is a third of the dose for those ages 12 and above. A trial of 5-to-11-year-olds who received the Pfizer vaccine showed it was safe and 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in this age group.

You do not need to be an existing or past patient of Ochsner to receive the vaccine at this event or any of our vaccination sites. Children will automatically be scheduled to receive their second vaccine dose in three weeks.

To learn more, please visit www.ochsner.org/vaccine. To make vaccination appointments for children, adolescents or adults at other locations, please visit myochsner.org or call 844-888-2772.

COVID-19 booster shots are now available for all individuals 5 years of age and older who have completed their Pfizer vaccine series at least five months ago. At this time, only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-17.

COVID-19 booster shots are available for adults 18 and over who have received the Moderna vaccine series at least five months ago.

Additionally, a second Pfizer-BioNTech booster will be available for immunocompromised children 12 and up and a second Moderna booster will be available for immunocompromised adults 18 and up.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the Moderna vaccine authorizing use of a single booster dose for all individuals 16 years of age and older after completion of their vaccine series.

Ochsner Health is now administering Pfizer and Moderna booster shots to individuals at our vaccination locations across the state. Click here for vaccine locations.

Get the facts on COVID-19 booster shots, here.

On June 22, 2022, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) are recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 4 years following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authorization for expanded use. Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children highly encourage vaccination of all eligible children as well as adolescents and adults.

Children ages 6 months and older are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna is available for children ages 6 months to 5 years. Pfizer is available to children ages 6 months to 17 years.

Get the latest schedule of vaccination events.

Vaccine Events

View Vaccine Availability

• Following full approval from the FDA , no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine as there are no medical contraindications except for a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine or any of its components.
• Because the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, MyOchsner or the COVID hotline will automatically schedule the second dose at the same location with the appropriate length of time (21 or 28 days depending on which vaccine you receive) between visits.
• Most importantly, all three vaccines have been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and effective in preventing serious disease. All three vaccine have continuous and intense safety monitoring and more than over 346 million doses of COVID-19 have been given in the U.S.

Ochsner takes the health and safety of our patients and staff seriously. The following precautions are in place:

• Fully vaccinated staff will have identification of their vaccination status on their ID badge. Ochsner requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 29, 2021. Learn more.
• All Ochsner staff regardless of location, role or vaccination status must be fully masked at all times while indoors at an Ochsner facility. This includes our corporate and non-clinical staff.
• All staff are required to complete a mandatory training course on COVID-19 safety standards in the workplace.

• Since this is a novel virus, we are still unsure how long the vaccine antibodies will last. However, recent data indicate that the mRNA vaccines continue to have a strong response for at least 6 months post-vaccination.

• Like the flu shot, the vaccine is administered into a large muscle in the upper arm. As is the case with any vaccine, allergic reactions may occur. Some may experience mild fever, soreness, muscle aches, headaches, chills, fatigue/tiredness, muscle or joint pain, redness and/or swelling at the site of administration. These are signs of an immune response to the vaccine and expected in some patients.
• Based on data reported from the FDA emergency use authorization (EUA), possible side effects have been more prominent after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
• If you have pain or discomfort, you can take your normal pain reliever or talk to your pharmacist about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot, you can apply a clean, cool compress over the area. To reduce discomfort from fever, drink plenty of fluids.

• We recommend that people continue their routine medications as prescribed by their physician which may include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Patients who have one of the CDC-listed underlying medical conditions and are prescribed NSAID by their physicians, are not excluded and are encouraged to receive the vaccine.

• While extreme serious reactions to the vaccine are rare, you should seek medical care if:
  • you experience a severe allergic reaction call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
  • the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
  • your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days
• Ochsner On Call can answer questions at 800-231-5257 or 504-842-3155
• If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
• Report side effects to FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Reporting instructions are included in Fact Sheet you received when you got your vaccine.

• The vaccine cannot cause you to test positive via nasal swab or saliva test. This is not a live vaccine and will not cause you to shed virus.
• It takes four to six weeks to become fully vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of either Moderna or Pfizer. Some patients may still become infected or develop symptoms following vaccination against COVID-19. No vaccine is 100% effective. Those that do get infected after vaccination, so called breakthrough cases of COVID-19, are more likely to have mild or no symptoms. Even with the more contagious Delta variant, COVID-19 vaccines have shown 90% effectiveness in preventing severe infections that require hospitalization.

• That is the intent. Instead of traditional vaccines, which may use the virus itself, the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will use a protein on the outside of the virus. This means the vaccine can’t cause COVID-19 in a person, because it’s not using the virus that causes the disease.

• This stimulates your body’s immune system to mount a response as if it were a true infection, minimizing your risk of infection or disease burden should you encounter the same virus later. While there is evidence that people with breakthrough cases from the Delta variant can spread COVID-19 to others, those numbers overall are low.
• However, in order to stop this pandemic, we need to use every tool available which includes the vaccines, social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks.

• No, there are no restrictions after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, but you should continue to wear your mask, social distance and practice good hand hygiene.

• No deferral is necessary for whole blood or platelet donors who received non-replicating, inactivated or RNA-based vaccines or the mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

• No. The FDA does not feel that it would be acceptable for these individuals to donate CCP. This is because it is not known yet if the CCP would be efficacious from a vaccinated person.

• Yes. Remember, it takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until two weeks (14 days) after your second shot.
• With the rapid rise in cases due to the Delta variant, the CDC recommends wearing masks indoors regardless of vaccination status especially in COVID-19 hot spots. It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

• Yes. There is not enough information currently available to say how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. In order to stop this pandemic, we need to use every tool available which includes the immunization, social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks.

• Yes, there is no need to delay other immunizations after your COVID-19 vaccine.

• If you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, you are not required to quarantine unless you are symptomatic.
• You should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask indoors for 14 days post exposure, or until you receive a negative test result.

Yes, if it's been five months since you finished the Pfizer vaccine series or five months since you finished the Moderna vaccine series. The Centers for Disease Control says all adults ages 5 and up should receive the booster.

Note: At this time, only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-17. On January 5, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for children ages 12-15, following new guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• COVID-19 vaccination may not be for everyone. If you are unsure if you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please call your healthcare provider to discuss the possible benefits and risks.

• Following guidelines from the FDA, no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine, even patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The only medical contraindications to receiving this vaccine are severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or severe allergic reaction to components of this vaccine.

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine both strongly recommend vaccination for those that are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • In fact, pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared with non-pregnant people. Severe illness includes illness that requires hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, or illness that results in death.
  • Additionally, pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth and might be at increased risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with pregnant women without COVID-19.
  • Additionally, you may also review this advice from the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine for those pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Yes, the Delta variant is affecting people of all ages. Across the U.S., we have seen a rapid increase of cases in people of all ages creating a concerning fourth surge of COVID-19. Additionally, the majority of hospitalizations are in those who are unvaccinated and within the ages of 20-50-years-old.

• For those with children over the age of 2, continue to wear your mask even indoors per new CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and maintain good hand hygiene.
• We encourage all parents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and those who are not eligible for the vaccine.

• The claim circulating on social media that the COVID-19 vaccine causes female infertility is FALSE and is not supported by any research.

• Yes, children ages 12 and older with high risk of complications from COVID-19 and who weigh at least 40 kgs or 88 lbs. are eligible for some of the adult infusion treatments.

Vaccinated individuals who have a breakthrough case of COVID-19 can be contagious and spread COVID-19 to others, including immunocompromised people and children who may not be able to receive the vaccine yet. Despite the Delta variant’s higher viral load than previous variants, getting vaccinated still provides protection against contracting the virus. Most importantly, getting vaccinated protects you from the more severe symptoms experienced by unvaccinated individuals.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Nearly all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.S. are unvaccinated. Louisiana and Mississippi rank among the lowest in the nation in vaccination rates, leading to the high infection and hospitalization rates in our states. Getting vaccinated protects you from contracting the virus, but most importantly, it protects you from the more severe symptoms experienced by unvaccinated individuals that lead to hospitalization and death.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

An unvaccinated person who gets infected can pass the virus to a vaccinated person. And while the vaccine provides great protection from serious illness, extra precautions must still be taken to protect those who are on certain medications or have a seriously weakened immune system. Unvaccinated individuals pose a threat to these vulnerable populations in our communities.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Those waiting too long to be vaccinated are allowing the virus to continue spreading in their communities. As the virus continues to spread, it will mutate and new variants like Delta will emerge. It is imperative that everyone who can get vaccinated does so as soon as possible. The sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner you and others are protected.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, you could be reinfected with another variant of the COVID-19 virus. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection from other variants in people who have recovered from COVID-19.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Once those instructions are transcribed, both the mRNA and viral vector vaccines degrade rapidly in your body. The mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. The viral vectors used in COVID-19 vaccines are non-replicating and don’t have the machinery to insert its DNA into our cellular DNA. Both types of vaccines get broken down by your body’s cells and are gone within a few days.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

COVID-19 vaccines remain the key to bringing the pandemic under control. However, no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness in vaccinated people. Experts have always known there will be a small percentage of fully vaccinated people who still get sick from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports no unexpected patterns among those experiencing breakthrough infections.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Meanwhile, pregnant and recently pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness, including preterm birth, from COVID-19 compared to nonpregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all eligible persons, including pregnant and lactating individuals, receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

There is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect the fertility of women who are seeking to become pregnant, including through in vitro fertilization methods. While pregnant women were excluded from the initial Pfizer vaccine trial, 23 women in the trial became pregnant after receiving the vaccine and delivered healthy babies.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

The COVID-19 vaccine encourages the body to create copies of the spike protein found on the coronavirus’s surface and “teaches” the body’s immune system to fight the virus that has that specific spike protein on it. The spike proteins targeted by the vaccines are completely different than the protein associated with placental growth and attachment.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

While the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. continue to be remarkably effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, available data show that protection against COVID-19 begins to decrease over time. According to the latest assessment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the current protection could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout. By getting a booster shot, you can maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Click here to download the fact sheets.

• Appointments are highly encouraged and walk ins are welcome.
• MyOchsner users can schedule their vaccinations via MyOchsner or by calling 1-844-888-2772. You can also see which Ochsner regions across the state have vaccine appointments at Ochsner.org/appointment-availability.
• If you have never been to an Ochsner location before and do not have a MyOchsner account, we encourage you to enroll at Ochsner.org/myochsner. This is a secure portal that allows patients to schedule appointments at the click of a button.
• Patients receiving Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will schedule their first dose via MyOchsner or by calling 1-844-888-2772. Your second dose is guaranteed. Ochsner will notify you of the exact date and time of your second dose appointment via text and email within 24 hours of when your first dose is administered.
• We appreciate your willingness to be part of the solution to end this pandemic.

• COVID-19 vaccines are available now to anyone 5 years old or older. – Pfizer Teen + Adult, Moderna
• Teens ages 12 – 17 are eligible for the COVID-19 Pfizer Teen + Adult vaccine
• Children ages 5 – 11 are eligible for the COVID-19 Pfizer Children’s vaccine (a third of the Pfizer Teen + Adult dose given to individuals ages 12 and above.)
• Remember – All adolescent patients under 18 will be required to have a parent or guardian present when being immunized.

• If you are receiving a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, your second dose appointment will automatically be scheduled once you have received your first dose. It will be scheduled at the correct interval of time from your first dose: 19 – 23 days for Pfizer, or 26 - 30 days for Moderna, from your first dose.
• Ochsner will notify you of the exact date and time of your second dose appointment via text and email within 24 hours of when your first dose is administered.

• As with any appointment type, you can call our contact center at 1-844-888-2772 to verify the date and time of your second dose appointment.

• We ask that patients keep their second dose appointments as they are scheduled, but we understand that sometimes appointment times no longer work. If you must change your second dose appointment, please call 1-844-888-2772.

Get the latest schedule of vaccination events.

Vaccine Events

View Vaccine Availability

How to Access in MyOchsner

Learn About Smart Health Cards

Please note you must download the latest version of the MyOchsner app to see the QR codes. If you received your COVID-19 vaccination at Ochsner, you can display a QR code in the MyOchsner/MyChart app on your phone that you can use to show your vaccination status. Log in to the app, go to the menu at the top of the page, click on “COVID-19’’ under “My Record,’’ and click on the green button at the bottom of the page that says “QR codes.’’

• Vaccines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after rigorous and extensive development in laboratories, as well as pre-clinical animal studies and testing on human volunteers, to ensure they are safe and effective.
• Monitoring of the vaccine and how it’s produced, including regular facility inspections, must continue for as long as the manufacturer holds a license for the vaccine.
• Additionally, the drug sponsor follows a multi-layered approval process, which includes an investigational new drug application, clinical trials and presentation of data to a special FDA advisory committee.

• During a public health emergency, an EUA authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make a product available to diagnose, treat or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases.
• The FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have assured the public that no safety or efficacy evaluation steps would be skipped in approving the vaccine.

• An emergency authorization functions like a temporary approval for the duration of the emergency or until the FDA grants approval. To win full FDA approval for a New Drug Application, the pharmaceutical sponsor will have to submit additional research to fully define the drug's safety and benefit for patients.

• You do not need to take a COVID-19 test prior to receiving the vaccine. If you are COVID-19 positive, then it is recommended that you follow the CDC guidelines and isolate for 10 days to limit exposure to others. Once you are out of isolation, you are able to receive the vaccine.

• There will be no direct cost to employees or patients at this time.

• No, the current vaccine trials will continue for the intended duration which for most trials is 24 months.
• Additionally, we will see more trials for new vaccines and new targeted populations and these new potential trials will need research participants.
• With more than 7 billion people in the world, more trials are needed to help vaccinate the entire world.

• Yes, Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children continue to encourage all eligible community members to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others and ultimately end this pandemic.
• Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children participated in the adolescent Pfizer vaccine trial for both the 5 – 11-year-old cohort and the 12 –17-year-old cohort, which means our patients contributed to the safety data submitted to FDA.
• Data specific to the 12 – 15-year-old group shows 100% efficacy, robust antibody responses and was well tolerated.
• Data specific to the 5 – 11-year-old group show a nearly 91% efficacy for this younger age range.
• COVID-19’s Delta variant led to outbreaks and hospitalizations among young children and infants. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and the risk of long-term complications from COVID.

• Although children and teenagers are at less risk of severe complications from COVID-19, the virus has still seriously impacted millions of children and teens across the globe.
• Children and teenagers who have COVID-19 may have no symptoms but are still able to transmit the virus to their parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and loved ones.
• Vaccinating children and teens for COVID-19 should be treated just like any other routine vaccination. In the same way that children are vaccinated for the measles, mumps and chicken pox, they should also be vaccinated for COVID-19.

• No, as with any vaccination, it is required that a child under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian consent.

• Consent by a parent or guardian is required for anyone under 18. Consent can be provided through MyOchsner, during ePreCheckor in person at the vaccination location.

• It is recommended that a child’s parent or legal guardian accompany their child during their vaccination appointment.

• Please note, if your child does not already have a MyOchsner account, you must fill out a request form which has a turnaround time of 1 to 3 days.

• If the custodial parent has a MyOchsner account, they can request access online using the form under the Main Menu >> Sharing >> Request Access.

• If the custodial parent does NOT have a MyOchsner account, they can click here to sign up and put in a request. They will receive a notification and an email with this information as well.

• Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children have plenty of availability across the system! We offer vaccinations at our hospitals, retail pharmacy locations, and community vaccine events across the state.
• Yes, we will administer in select pediatric offices, which can be found through MyOchsner
• We continue to add more locations and events each week to make it as convenient as possible for your child to receive the vaccine.

• Pfizer received FDA approval under Emergency Authorization Use (EUA) to expand vaccination to children ages 5-12 based on new trial data.
• Just like the three vaccines currently being administered under EUA, the FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have assured the public that no safety or efficacy evaluation steps have been skipped in approving the vaccine.
• Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children remain committed to educating our patients about the COVID-19 vaccines so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their family.

• Teens (ages 12 – 17): The FDA amended the EUA originally issued on December 11, 2020 to include adolescents 12 – 15 years of age on May 10, 2021.
• Children (ages 5 – 11): The FDA granted EUA for the Pfizer Children’s vaccine for ages 5 – 11 on October 29, 2021.

• On January 5, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for children ages 12-15, following new guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• EUA approval is granted based on clinical trial results for each age grouping. There are ongoing trials for younger age groups, starting as young as six months old.
• Teens (ages 12 – 17): Pfizer completed its adolescent trial for children ages 12-17 earlier this year. Results from the trial for children ages 16-17 showed the vaccine is safe and effective and granted EUA approval on December 11, 2020. The results of Pfizer’s 12–15-year-old age group shows 100% efficacy, robust antibody responses and was well tolerated. Based on both sets of successful results, Pfizer again applied for EUA status which was granted on May 10, 2021.
• Children (ages 5 – 11): The FDA granted EUA for the Pfizer Children’s vaccine for ages 5 – 11 on INSERT DATE . Data specific to the 5 – 11-year-old group show a nearly 91% efficacy for this younger age range.

• There are no differences between the two Pfizer vaccines other than dosage.
• Teens (Ages 12 – 15) are eligible for Pfizer Teen + Adult. This is the same two-dose regimen currently being administered to those who are ages 16 and older. Data specific to the 12-15-year-old group shows 100% efficacy, robust antibody responses and was well tolerated.
• Children (Ages 5 – 11) are eligible for Pfizer Children’s. This is a two-dose regimen of 10-microgram doses – a third of the dose for individuals 12 and above.

• Yes, the dosage is the same for all adolescents and adults ages 12 and older.

On January 5, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for children ages 12-15, following new guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals who received the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine can now receive a booster shot 5 months after completing their Pfizer primary series. 

On May 21, 2022, the LDH and CDC approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for children ages 5-11 five months after completing their primary Pfizer vaccine series. The Pfizer Bio-NTech booster is now approved for people ages 5 and up.

For children ages 5-15, please read below:

Your child will need to receive two doses, scheduled 21 days apart, to be fully effective and provide the most protection.

Pfizer Boosters have recently been approved under EUA for individuals who completed their vaccine series within a certain time period and those at high risk and those with certain medical conditions. To learn more about booster recommendations visit the CDC website.

A third dose for children under 18 is available for children who are immunocompromised.

Criteria are as follows:

• Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are currently taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are currently taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (> 20 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
• Other conditions which cause moderate or severe immunosuppression similar to the above conditions.

If you qualify as an immunocompromised individual, please schedule your third vaccine appointment today on MyOchsner where you will be able to see the locations most convenient to you.

• Those who do not have a MyOchsner account can sign up at my.ochsner.org or by calling 844-888-2772. Appointments are encouraged and walk-ups are welcome.

Learn More About Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Learn More About Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

State of Louisiana COVID-19 Vaccination Third Dose Medical Risk Factor Self-Attestation Form

• Trial data presented in the EUA demonstrated 100% efficacy, robust antibody responses and was well tolerated in children ages 12-15.

• Moderna completed its COVID-19 vaccine trial for children ages 12-15 in February 2021 and anticipates results for this trial some time this year.

• The vaccine was studied in adults first before expanding to include younger age groups.
• A child’s immune system is different than an adult’s and must be specifically studied when given a vaccine. This includes looking at dosage amounts.
• Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children participated in the adolescent Pfizer vaccine trial for both the 5 – 11-year-old cohort and the 12 –17-year-old cohort, which means our patients contributed to the safety data submitted to FDA. Data specific to the 12 – 15-year-old group shows 100% efficacy, robust antibody responses and was well tolerated. Data specific to the 5 – 11-year-old group show a nearly 91% efficacy for this younger age range.
• There are ongoing trials for Moderna and Pfizer for younger age groups, starting as young as six months old. Pending data results, each pharmaceutical company applies for EUA approval for specific age ranges on an individual basis.

• Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children will only recommend and administer vaccines that the Food and Drug Administration has certified as safe and effective for all patients and employees, including our most vulnerable populations.
• Ochsner Health and Ochsner Hospital for Children participated in the adolescent Pfizer vaccine trial for both the 5 – 11-year-old cohort and the 12 –17-year-old cohort, which means our patients contributed to the safety data submitted to FDA. Data specific to the 12 – 15-year-old group shows 100% efficacy, robust antibody responses and was well tolerated. Data specific to the 5 – 11-year-old group show a nearly 91% efficacy for this younger age range.
• Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. In both cases, the body’s immune system causes inflammation in response to an infection or some other trigger.
• Since April 2021, increased cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported in the United States after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna), particularly in adolescents and young adults. 
• In most cases, patients who presented for medical care have responded well to medications and rest and had prompt improvement of symptoms. Reported cases have occurred predominantly in male adolescents and young adults 16 years of age and older. CDC and its partners are investigating these reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
• CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible individuals, given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death.
• Nearly 6.3 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to recommend that adolescents get vaccinated. The serious risks of COVID-19 — even for young healthy people — outweigh the risks of any possible side effects from the vaccine.
• Given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications, CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older. Getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect yourself and your family from COVID-19.

• Following guidelines from the FDA EUA, no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine. The only medical contraindications to receiving this vaccine are severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or severe allergic reaction to components of this vaccine.
• It is important to have this discussion with your pediatrician to determine if this is the best decision for your child.

• Yes. There is not enough information currently available to say how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. To stop this pandemic, we need to use every tool available which includes immunization, social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks.
• Studies show that those who are fully vaccinated and have antibodies from a previous COVID-19 infection are very protected from being reinfected.

• The CDC now recommends that other vaccines can be given with the COVID-19 vaccine.
• This includes the flu vaccine. Individuals ages 6 months and up are recommended by the CDC to receive an annual flu vaccination.
• It is important that children who may have missed doses of routine vaccines during the pandemic complete or catch up with these routine immunizations.

• In alignment with data-driven CDC recommendations, the safest route is a layered approach of available COVID-19 mitigation tools – including both vaccination, masking and social distancing .
• Check with your local parish and school system for specific rules and regulations.

• Please see the FDA’s Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers.

• Pfizer reports the side effects found in children during its trial were generally consistent with those found in adults immediately following vaccination.
• As is the case with any vaccine, allergic reactions may occur. Some may experience mild fever, soreness, muscle aches, headaches, chills, tiredness and redness or swelling at the site of administration. These are signs of an immune response to the vaccine and are expected in some patients.
• It is common for children to experience fever after any vaccination; this is an anticipated side effect.

• While extreme serious reactions to the vaccine are rare, you should seek medical care if:
  • Your child experiences a severe allergic reaction (call 911 or go to the nearest ER)
  • The side effects do not seem to be going away or are getting worse after a few days.

• We do not recommend pre-treating your child with pain or fever reducers because it may weaken your child’s immune response to vaccines.
• After the vaccine, you may give your child a pain or fever reducers if needed.

• While every individual is unique, there are no indications that reactions run in families.

• There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine affects child development, puberty or fertility.

• Ochsner is dedicated to delivering vaccines safely and equitably. As the dose of Pfizer Children’s is one third of the dose of the Pfizer Teen and Adult dose, Ochsner has built in checks and balances into our vaccine administration process to ensure the right dose is delivered to the right individual every time.
  • The Pfizer Children’s vaccine will be stored separately from the Pfizer Teen and Adult vaccines.
  • Systemwide, Ochsner will use color coding and clear labeling to ensure that the correct dosage is given.
• Vaccine locations, mobile units and events may limit the types of vaccine offered to make storage, administration and communication as clear as possible.
• You can find a list of which vaccines are available at different locations on our website at ochsner.org/vaccine.