October 20, 2021
You could get your 5 to 11 year old vaccinated against Covid19 very soon. You’re probably hearing a bunch about the White House’s plan to roll out Covid19 vaccines to kids ages 5 to 11.
Yes…its true there’s a plan…but!
Absolutely nothing can actually happen, unless the FDA and the CDC *both* approve it.
And that could happen as soon as next week. I’ll explain that in a second but first – I’ll go over the White House plan.
First — the white house says it has the capability to make these vaccines widely available to young kids as early as the day after it’s approved by the FDA and CDC. The white house says it has secured 28 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine intended specifically for this age group and it will be distributed immediately upon approval.
Second – the White House says its coordinators are already working with state, local and tribal leaders to get their local pediatricians, pharmacists and community health clinics on board to administer the vaccines.
Already – the white house says the following “trusted” community leaders and doctors are on board, including — 25,000 pediatrician’s offices and primary care offices. More than 100 children’s hospitals which will also partner with local community organizations. Tens of thousands of pharmacies, hundreds of schools and community based programs, and hundreds of rural health clinics.
The last part of the plan – the white house says the Department of Health and Human Services will roll out a widespread public education campaign to help parents understand the children’s vaccine and help them make the choice that’s best for their kids.
Now – when will the FDA decide about the vaccine for young kids between the ages of 5 and 11? Well – it could come as soon as next week when the FDA independent advisory panel meets on October 26.
If you are the parent of a 5 to 11 year old and have questions about the Covid19 vaccine for your child – you should definitely speak to your kids’ pediatrician.
Read the White House plan here.
PLUS
Vaccine booster mix and matching is now a thing….so says the FDA.
The FDA has just expanded the use of booster doses for Covid19 vaccines by amending the emergency use authorizations on all three vaccines. This approval will now go to the CDC.
Pfizer’s vaccine booster has already been granted approval but today the FDA approved boosters for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
For Moderna – that booster is FDA authorized to be given at least 6 months after full vaccination for those over 65 and for those between the ages of 18 and 64 who are either at high risk of severe Covid19 or are at high risk of contracting Covid because of their job.
This same group is eligible for boosters of the Pfizer vaccine.
For Johnson & Johnson – the FDA today authorized a booster to be given at least two months after the single shot for anyone over the age of 18.
And if you fall into one of those eligible categories and you want to get a booster – the FDA says you can take your pick. For example – if you got the J&J vaccine, you’re over the age of 18 and you want to get the booster, you can either get Pfizer of Moderna two months after your first shot. Or if you were fully vaccinated initially with Pfizer or Moderna and you fall into one of the eligible categories, you can take your pick of Pfizer, Moderna or J&J as your booster, 6 months after your last shot.
Again – the CDC advisors will meet tomorrow about all this and the CDC Director will still have to sign off before it’s officially approved.
Read the FDA approval here.
