FDA Has Authorized Pfizer’s Covid-19 Boosters For Children Ages 5-11

Currently, anyone in the United States who is at least 5 years old is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. While there are a couple of different options out there for adults, there is only one option currently available for children.

Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine is the only vaccine currently available for children between the ages of 5-11. The vaccine is similar to the adult vaccine, but the dose is one third the size.

An adult who is fully vaccinated (meaning, two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) is also eligible to get a booster shot for Covid, but that is not the case for children.

Studies have shown that vaccine effectiveness can wane over time, so a booster shot is thought it be a helpful way to effectively prevent against infection from Covid-19. That leaves some parents who have vaccinated their elementary school age children wishing they could also take their children to get a booster shot.

These parents might get their wish very soon. Earlier today, the FDA authorized the Pfizer booster shot for ages 5-11. In order to be eligible for the booster shot, children would need to have had their second dose of the original series of shots at least 5 months ago. Just like the other two doses of the shot approved for children, the booster dose is also one third the size of the dose given to people who are over the age of 12.

Before you rush to make an appointment to get your child’s booster shot, there is one more hurdle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs to give the thumbs up as well. The CDC’s advisors are scheduled to meet Thursday to decide whether or not to formally recommend the Pfizer booster shot for ages 5-11.

Currently, only about 30% of children in the United States between the ages of 5-11 are fully vaccinated for Covid-19. It is unclear how many parents who have vaccinated their children plan to take them for a booster shot.

Are your children vaccinated for Covid-19? Are you planning to take your children to get a booster shot once it’s available?