FDA and CDC approve COVID-19 vaccine for children age six months to five years
Extensive data and studies show vaccine is safe and effective for people age six months and older
Parents can now safely protect their children age six months and older from COVID-19 by getting them vaccinated. After rigorous data evaluation and studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have given emergency use authorization of reduced-strength Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children age six months to five years; this follows the earlier emergency use authorization (EUA) of Pfizer’s vaccine for youth age five to 17.
Studies show the vaccine to be effective in preventing COVID-19 illness in children, and it’s also proven to be safe based on a study of children who received the vaccine and have had no serious side effects.
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The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is a primary series that includes three doses in which the first two doses are three to eight weeks apart followed by a third dose at least eight weeks after the second dose in people six months through four years of age. For people who are immunocompromised, the first and second doses should be separated by three weeks and the second and third doses separated by eight weeks.
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The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is a primary series of two doses, four to eight apart, to people six months through 17 years of age. People in this age range who have a weakened immune system should get a third dose. For immunocompromised people, the CDC recommends all doses four weeks apart.
Staying safe among emerging COVID-19 variants
The Omicron variant spreads more easily than other variants. The recent surge in cases has led to an increase in hospitalizations, however deaths have decreased and the recent numbers are nowhere near the peak from the past year. The CDC data from April shows that unvaccinated people have 1.5 times more risk in contracting the virus and 17 times more risk of death from COVID-19.
Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations is your best protection against severe illness from COVID-19. That means completing your primary vaccine series and getting a booster dose if you are eligible. People with with compromised immune systems may need more doses for more protection. The CDC recommends everyone age five and older receive a booster dose, if eligible. The Pfizer vaccine is the only authorized booster vaccine available for people ages five to 17. Keeping ourselves and others healthy is the top priority. So, be creative and innovative while planning your fun with family and friends. Enjoy your time together—and stay safe.
We’re here to help
The disease-prevention benefits of vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for most people. More information about the available COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, is available on the CDC website. Visit your state’s health department website or the CDC’s Vaccine Finder site to find out where all eligible people ages 5 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine:
More information about your coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and treatment can be found at regence.com.