The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently expanded their recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine to include children as young as 6 months old. Based on this recommendation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children 6 months and older. Previously, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was available to children 5 years and older and the Moderna vaccine was available only to those 18 years and older.
The CDC recommends that all children—even those who have already had COVID-19—get vaccinated. Distribution for pediatric doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is already underway. The Pfizer vaccination series is administered in three doses for children ages 6 months to 4 years old, and parents who choose the Pfizer vaccine for their children must ensure they receive all three shots for maximum efficacy. The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
To read the FDA’s press release on expanding authorized use of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to children 6 months and older, click here. This press release also discusses the safety, efficacy, and risks found in the clinical trials for vaccinating young children against COVID-19. The CDC’s press release recommending the COVID-19 vaccines for children can be found here.
To find a vaccine provider near you, use the Washington Department of Health’s Vaccine Locator, visit Vaccines.gov, or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 833-VAX-HELP. Language assistance is available. Please note that appointments may be limited initially as distribution begins.