The directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have signed off on Pfizer- BioNtech’s lower-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. As a result, more than 28 million children are now able to receive their vaccines.
“Today is a truly a monumental day in the course of this pandemic and one that many of us have been eager to see, ” shared Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director.
Members of the advisory committee are highly supportive of the vaccine.
“We have followed the scientific process,” shared Dr. Walensky. “Please know we have thoroughly reviewed all of the available safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy data before recommending this vaccine for your child.”
Experts say the side effects are mild and similar to those seen in adults. Just yesterday, Pfizer began to distribute the doses, which will be administered in CVS stores starting this Sunday.
“We will hit the ground running. Probably by the beginning of next week, we will be at full speed,” shared Dr. Anthony Fauci. “So parents should consult with their pediatricians, family physicians, pharmacists and they will be able to know exactly where to get this particular vaccine for their children, from five to 11.”
“I think whatever side effects we see really have to be compared with the risks of not getting the vaccine,” stated Dr. Leana Wen, Former Baltimore Health Commissioner. “More than 8,300 children in this age group have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. A third of them ended up in the ICU.”
Children made up a quarter of all the new COVID-19 cases last week. However, health experts believe this vaccine will change that.
