CDC Approves Pfizer Vaccination for Children 5 to 11, NYC will be Ready to Provide Shots within 24 Hours

By Yehudit Garmaise

     A panel of doctors and public-health experts who serve on an advisory committee for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

     Data from a Pfizer clinical trial showed that the vaccine prevents COVID in children at a rate of 90.7%.

     The CDC’s advisory panel green-lighted Pfizer’s immunization for young children just days after the US Food and Drug Administration authorized, on Friday, the shot for emergency use for younger children, who will receive two doses, which are one-third of the size of the dosage that adults receive, three weeks apart.

     Yesterday, before the CDC made its announcement, President Joe Biden said that his administration was preparing enough shots to vaccinate the country’s 28 million children who are between the ages of 5 to 11. 

    This morning on his press call, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that city “has 231,000 vaccines doses for kids that either have arrived or are coming in quickly.

     “Once we get full and final [CDC] approval, within 24 hours of that we'll be able to have vaccination [for children 5 to 11] at city sites.

     “And then 48 hours after that full and final approval at a number of other sites.”

     Mitch Katz, MD, the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals said, “We are looking forward at Health + Hospitals and at all our pediatric practices to be vaccinating our youngest New Yorkers.

     In addition to the city’s vaccination sites and hospitals, Torian Easterling, MD, the first deputy commissioner of the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene added that children will also be able to get vaccinated at their pediatricians, family physicians, and local pharmacies.

     “I really want to encourage parents that we will tell you the moment it's fully approved and that's going to start that 24-hour clock to be able to be vaccinated the next day at our city sites, and the day after at other sites,” Mayor de Blasio. “We're really, really excited to start reaching the youngest New Yorkers.

    But what about children who are afraid of needles or scared to get vaccinated in general, one reporter asked.

     Dr. Easterling, who first said that parents might want to bring their children to places that are familiar, like their pediatricians’ officers, also said that just as the city did for teens over the summer, vaccination locations are trying to add features that “make the sites more conducive for our young folks, such as by playing fun music and by offering age-appropriate goody bags.”

     But what Dr. Easterling said is most important to “continue to push back on the spread of the COVID” is to continue to make accessible the safe and effective vaccine.”      

     “We know how to do this,” emphasized Dr. Katz. “We give many vaccinations. That's why there's been a tremendous decrease in childhood illnesses and childhood deaths: because of the success of our vaccinations.

      “I think going to sites that are familiar to your child is a good step. And I think that we will be able to get all our kids vaccinated, and after perhaps a few tears, there'll be many more smiles.”

 (Darren McGee- Office of Formor Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)