CDC approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 years old

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director: “Today is a monumental day in the course of this pandemic and one that many of us have been very eager to see. Ever since your vote on December 12th last year recommending COVID-19 vaccination for those 16 and older, we have been asking when we will be able to expand the protection to our younger children. In the nearly 12 months that have passed since that vote, we have learned a tremendous amount both about COVID-19 disease and the vaccines that combat it. And today you have the opportunity to review those data, discuss the benefits of expanded vaccination, consider the risks and make a recommendation that is likely to have tremendous impact. As you review the data today, it will be key to keep in mind the specific risk to children from this virus and this pandemic.”

“For almost two full years, school has been fundamentally changed. There are children in the second grade who have never experienced a normal school year. There are students in middle school who missed out on school sports and extracurricular activities. There are missed proms and homecoming dances and too many missed graduations. We have watched as the education gaps that exist in this country have widened, as this virus has disproportionately impacted racial and ethnic minority communities. Pediatric vaccination has the power to help us change all of that and to let us move toward schools as we once knew it and hope it can be a safe and enriching environment for all of our children. I also think that I share with your perspective that pediatric vaccination is just one important piece to the puzzle. It is important that we also continue to vaccinate as many adults as possible to provide protection to children in the community, including those younger than five who may not be eligible yet for vaccination.”

Dr. Sara Oliver, CDC, reading voting question: “Should vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is two doses of 10 micrograms given IM be recommended for children 5 through 11 years of age under an emergency use authorization?”

Dr. Grace Lee, committee chair: “So we have a total of 14 yeses, zero nos, and so the motion passes, and the interim recommendation is now a recommendation by the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices).”