The endorsement expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children in the U.S. It also means that all Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for vaccination.
“Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated,” the CDC stated in its announcement about the child eligibility for the vaccines over the weekend.
As WarwickPost.com reported in November, children 5 years and older had already been approved to receive the vaccine, which protects people against infection, but also, most importantly, from severe symptoms and hospitalization should they become infected by the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to see where vaccines for children are available, the CDC announced.
“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”
Author: Warwick Post Staff
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