US CDC OKs distribution of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 5-11

NEW YORK - The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday issued formal recommendations for children aged 5-11 to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with Pfizer vaccines.

"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. 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," said Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC.

She also encouraged 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.

US President Joe Biden described the authorization as a turning point in the battle against COVID-19, saying in a statement that "the program will ramp up over the coming days, and fully up and running during the week of Nov. 8."

The decision came after an independent panel of experts on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had unanimously recommended the shots for children in a 14-0 vote.

The vaccine is one-third the adult dose and the vaccine would be given in two doses, three weeks apart. The lower dose was chosen to minimize side effects and still produce strong immunity, according to Pfizer.

White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeffrey Zients said on Monday that the government has purchased enough of the low-dose children's vaccine for everyone in this age group.

A total of 172 US children aged 5-11 have died from COVID-19 and more than 8,300 have been hospitalized, according to the CDC's latest data.