More options for vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 are available this week in West Columbia, Batesburg-Leesville and Swansea.

On Nov. 10, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation announced the opening of a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinic at its vaccination drive-thru in West Columbia.

The vaccination site is a partnership with Dominion Energy and is located on Dominion property off Interstate 77 at Exit 2.

A press release notes that Nephron registered nurses and pharmacists administer the vaccines — which include doses and boosters for anyone eligible — with assistance from Nephron CLIA-certified diagnostics lab employees.

The site, which is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations to those who are eligible. Only Pfizer has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for kid ages 5 to 11.

Testing is also available at the site, and the release trumpeted Nephron’s efforts in this regard:

“Nephron established a diagnostics lab last year in order to conduct COVID-19 tests,” the statement read. “Since opening the lab, Nephron has tested thousands of people across the state for COVID-19 – including employees, students, educators, athletes and families – as the company does its part to keep South Carolina healthy and safe during the public health crisis. The Nephron CLIA-certified lab procured state-of-the-art technology for COVID-19 real-time PCR testing and serological antibody testing. Results are delivered within 24-48 hours”

Lexington Medical Center began administering the Pfizer vaccine to children five to 11 last week at its vaccination clinic located at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, and this week will offer one-day pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Batesburg-Leesville and Swansea.

The Swansea clinic will take place Nov. 19 between 3 and 5 p.m. inside Swansea Primary Care (935 West 2nd St.). The Batesburg-Leesville clinic will happen Nov. 20 between 9 and 11 a.m. inside Batesburg-Leesville Primary Care (338 East Columbia Ave.).

Children ages 5 and up are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech at the clinics. Walk-ins are welcomed, and no appointments are necessary. The clinics will vaccinate adults as well.

Per a news release, Lexington Medical Center has vaccinated more than 100,000 people against COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19 infection,” the release states. “It’s the best option to help our children stay healthy and in school.”

“The hospital is thankful for the support it’s received as it works to keep our families, friends and neighbors healthy and safe,” it adds.

More information about coronavirus vaccines is available at lexmed.com/ covid.