COVID-19 vaccines for children under age 5 may be available as soon as the end of June. In order to prepare to move quickly to vaccinate this pediatric population, vaccine preorders are now available through myCAvax. Physicians are the most trusted vaccinator and source of COVID-19 information for children and their families. Offering COVID-19 vaccines with other routine vaccines increases opportunities to protect kids.

It is easier than ever to be a COVID-19 vaccine provider. You don’t need an ultra-low freezer! COVID-19 vaccines can be stored with routine childhood vaccines. Your practice or organization does need to be enrolled as COVID vaccine provider to order COVID-19 vaccines.

MyCAvax is accepting “first wave” preorders through Friday, June 10, at 5 p.m. (additional “order waves” will be available). Vaccines ordered during this time frame should be delivered June 21-24. Both the Pfizer and Moderna products have a minimum order quantity of 100 doses. Opportunities to order smaller amounts will be available soon.

For more information and details about clinical considerations, storage and handling, ordering, resources and more, join Erica Pan, M.D., State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Center for Infectious Diseases, for a “Planning for Under 5 COVID-19 Vaccinations” webinar on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 2 p.m.

KidsVaxGrant Funding Available

California is also offering grant funding to medical organizations enrolled in the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, serving eligible children from birth through 18 years of age. VFC providers newly enrolled in California's COVID-19 vaccine program (myCAvax) could be eligible for $10,000 to support enrollment and launching a vaccination center.

VFC providers already enrolled in myCAvax, who are expanding operating hours or locations, could be eligible for $15,000. Eligible providers must expand hours of operations by a minimum of 15 hours to provide additional time options for working families. For more information and to apply by July 15, 2022, visit kidsvaxgrant.org.