COVID Vaccine Available for Children Ages 5-11

After months of testing and careful deliberation by the U.S Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control, the Pfizer vaccine has been granted emergency use for children aged 5-11.

This is exciting news and an important step as we move forward and protect our young and vulnerable population. Our Starling team is very supportive of this decision and is pleased to offer the vaccine in our Pediatric offices.

Call today to schedule a vaccine:

Vernon: (860) 871-2102

New Britain: (860) 224-6282

Plainville: (860) 747-1132

Newington: (860) 666-5167

A parent or guardian must be present.

COVID-19’s impact on children

Since the start of the pandemic, about 1.9 million children ages 5-11 years have been infected, about 9% of all U.S. cases. More than 8,300 have been hospitalized and 94 have died, according to federal data. The death toll in the past year puts COVID in the top 10 causes of death for this age group.

Vaccine found to be safe and effective

The pediatric vaccine just authorized will be given in two 10-microgram doses administered 21 days apart. The dosage is one-third of the adolescent and adult dose.

Clinical trials in children ages 5-11 years found the vaccine to be 90.7% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. 

Safety data from the trials, which included more than 3,000 children who received the vaccine, found the most common reactions were pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Reactions were mostly mild or moderate. There were no serious adverse events related to the vaccine, including myocarditis or anaphylaxis.

If you have questions, please consult with your Starling pediatric provider. Please click here for helpful information from the CDC on children and teens and the COVID vaccine.

Source:
https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/10/26/fda-pfizer-covid-vaccine-children-102621