OHIO — Children, ages 5 to 11 are that much closer to being eligible for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, with the FDA granting emergency use authorization Friday.
What You Need To Know
- The FDA granted the emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old
- The CDC still has to meet before the shot can be administered
- The meeting for the CDC is planned for Nov. 2
- Children will receive one-third of the dose approved for adults and vials will be differentiated with an orange top
It’s something Dr. Chris Peltier, pediatrician and president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics Ohio Chapter, said is a step in the right direction in the fight against the pandemic.
“If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say relief,” said Peltier. “It’s a relief for parents, for kids, for educators and pediatricians.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still have to meet before the shot can be administered.
Peltier believes they will make the decision to recommend the vaccine for kids 5-11.
The dose is one-third of the amount approved for people 12 and up. That’s why Peltier predicts it will be another two weeks after CDC approval until young children can get their shots.
“It’s not as simple as taking those simple vials and drawing up one-third of the dose,” said Peltier. “The Ohio Department of Health is going to ship us a new shipment. These vials are going to have a new top, it’s going to be orange so you can distinguish in your vaccine refrigerator.”
He said for people 12 and up, the vial cap is purple.
Becky Nelson is a mother of two young children ages five and eight.
She said she was waiting for the emergency use authorization announcement.
“I was anxiously awaiting the results, but as soon as we found out we were really excited,” said Nelson. “A little nervous, but excited.”
While she’s hesitant, she said her kids are more than ready to get their COVID-19 vaccines.
“We went to get our flu shots, and they were like ‘Oh it’s not the COVID shot?’ And they were really bummed,” said Nelson. “I was like, ‘Wow you guys would be OK with getting the vaccine if it meant not wearing a mask to school every day.’”
Peltier said he tries to keep an open dialogue with parents to address their concerns about getting their children vaccinated.
“If a parent says, ‘No, I don’t want to do that,” My first question is always ‘Why? Tell me why and what are your concerns?” And it’s really having that conversation between a trusted pediatrician and the family,” said Peltier.
The CDC is expected to meet to discuss whether to recommend the Pfizer vaccine for kids 5-11, or not on Nov. 2.