Cedars-Sinai is offering free COVID-19 vaccines for infants and young children during a clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 4-7 p.m. in the Cedars-Sinai Spielberg Parking Lot, 8723 Alden Drive.

The Pfizer 2023-24 updated COVID-19 vaccines for age groups 6 months-4 years old and 5 years-11 years old will be available. Children with no current COVID-19 infections or flu-like symptoms are eligible for the shots. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a child has already received a vaccine, bring their vaccine card, as well as identification.

There are many important reasons children should be vaccinated against COVID-19 according to Dr. Priya Soni, Cedars-Sinai pediatric infectious disease specialist.

“While many children have milder infections than adults, some children develop severe lung infections from COVID-19 that require hospitalization,” Soni said.

Children also can develop bacterial pneumonia after recovering from COVID-19. Another complication is multisystem inflammatory system in children, which requires care in an intensive care unit. This typically occurs weeks after the initial COVID-19 illness. Vaccinating children helps protect the entire family including grandparents and other elderly family members, Soni said. Getting the whole family vaccinated will be critical in preventing transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, especially during upcoming holiday gatherings, she added.

Appointments are required. To make an appointment, visit myturn.ca.gov and use zip code 90048 to find the Cedars-Sinai pediatric COVID-19 pop-up.