Moderna vaccines for children available through RICO Health Department

Rock Island County Health Department officials announced Tuesday it has Moderna COVID vaccines for children ages 6 months to 12 years for both private health insurance holders and for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Janet Hill, the health department's Chief Operating Officer, also said that the availability of Pfizer vaccines for all ages will be phased out for all ages after the current supply is depleted.

As of Tuesday, the health department had 25 Pfizer doses available for people ages 12 and older, and many doses for ages 6 months to 11 years old, Hill said. However, she added, after these doses are given, no more Pfizer doses will be available at the Rock Island County Health Department.

Both Pfizer and Moderna doses are interchangeable, she said, adding that patients don't have to stick to one brand.

"COVID vaccines for children have been a little hard to find all across the country and here in the Quad-Cities," Hill said. "We want to make it easy for parents to get their children protected during respiratory illness season.

"For best protection, we urge everyone to get vaccinated for both COVID and flu at least two weeks before Thanksgiving because the holiday season is typically the first time that families and friends gather indoors where viruses spread easily."

The health department offers appointments for Moderna on Tuesdays and, while supplies last, Pfizer on Fridays.

The health department's last scheduled walk-in flu clinic is 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Oct. 31, but appointments can be made throughout the respiratory illness season.

Hill said that COVID vaccines are no longer being provided for free from the federal government. The health department will bill a person's health insurance. It is the patient's responsibility to determine coverage through their insurance company with the Rock Island County Health Department as an authorized site.

Medicare Part B and Illinois Medicaid will pay for the COVID vaccine.

For the flu vaccine, there is no out-of-pocket cost to those with Medicare Part B or an Illinois Medicaid or managed care organization card. Most Blue Cross, United Health Care, Aetna, Cigna, Medica, and Humana insurance plans are accepted. People should bring their insurance cards to the clinic and check with their companies to make sure they are covered.

For those not using insurance, the cost is $35. High dose vaccines for seniors are $65 without insurance. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

"For best protection, we urge everyone to get vaccinated for both COVID and flu at least two weeks before Thanksgiving because the holiday season is typically the first time that families and friends gather indoors where viruses spread easily."

Janet Hill, the health department's Chief Operating Officer