With the official recommendation of a smaller dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, many parents are scrambling to schedule vaccine appointment for their children.

Here’s what to know:

• Ourshot.in.gov is the place to start. This site, run by the Indiana Department of Health, provides a map of all locations in the state providing COVID-19 vaccinations and the type of vaccine available. When scheduling for anyone under 18, you’ll need to schedule at a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine.
• All vaccine locations have the same vaccine. In Indiana, parents can find the Pfizer vaccine for this age group at community clinics, mass clinics, pediatrician offices and retail pharmacies. The same vaccine is sent to all clinics, and all are trained in giving immunizations. No one type of location is better than another.
• Your local school system may offer appointments. Some school systems around the state are partnering with their local health departments to offer COVID-19 vaccines during school hours. This allows kids to get vaccinated without parents having to make appointments, take off work or pull kids out of school. Check with your school or district to see if this is an option in your community.
• Be patient. Parents have been waiting a long time to schedule these vaccine appointments, so there’s likely to be a high number of people trying to schedule right now. As more vaccine arrives in the state and to clinics and doctor’s offices, more appointments will open up. More mass clinics are also likely to be scheduled as time goes on and there is demand for the vaccine.

Still on the fence about vaccinating your younger child? Check out these resources for fact-based information:

• Ask the expert: Should I get my younger child vaccinated against COVID-19?
• Ask the expert: COVID-19 vaccine for children under 12
• CDC recommends pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years
• Pediatric vaccines: Top 8 parental concerns answered

Amanda Roach is a senior communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.