Parents have long been waiting for the CDC to recommend the COVID vaccine for infants and toddlers. Now that they have, here’s how families in Nashville can get their tots the shot.

Little ones 6 months and older are now eligible to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Some of these kids were born into the pandemic.

Now, they’ll get to experience the world with added safety, says Dr. Alex Jahangir, who chairs the city’s coronavirus task force.

“It really opens up vaccine access now to almost everyone in our community — from 6 months all the way to 100 years,” he says. “And it’s a really exciting point and a moment that gives a lot of relief to a lot of parents.”

He says eager parents should reach out to their pediatricians to get the ball rolling.

Public health departments across the state are waiting on shipments of the vaccines now. For this age group, the vaccine is a lower dose.

Once the shipment arrives in Nashville, parents can make appointments with the public health department by phone. It won’t be available at community-based pop ups, or the drive-thru clinic on Murfreesboro Pike.