- November 4, 2024
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On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signed off on the use of the vaccine just hours after the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, composed of doctors and public-health experts, recommended the move.
“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against the virus that causes COVID-19," Walensky said. "We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration had previously cleared the immunization for emergency use in the age group on Friday, Oct. 29.
The decision will pave the way for an estimated 28 million young kids to begin getting their vaccinations as soon as this week.
Pfizer says the vaccine is 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19.
Though adults receive two 30-microgram doses, children’s doses will be only 10 micrograms.
Like the adult version, Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine is a two-dose regimen administered three weeks apart. It is also reported to have similar side effects, including fatigue, headache, muscle pain and chills.
The CDC said it plans to scale up to full offerings of vaccine capacity beginning the week of Monday, Nov. 8.
Vaccines will be available at thousands of pediatric healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers and more.
“If I had a grandchild. I would certainly get that grandchild vaccinated as soon as possible,” CDC panel member Dr. Beth Bell said in voting for the vaccination on Tuesday. “And I think many people share that perspective.”
