CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for young children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention鈥檚 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Saturday recommended the Moderna vaccine for children aged 6 months through 5 years old and the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 6 months through 4 years old, and the CDC the recommendation. The Food and Drug Administration last week authorized the vaccines for these age groups, and the Administration expects them to be available soon at pediatric practices, children鈥檚 hospitals, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, clinics and other locations. In addition, the government鈥檚 vaccines locator offers information on vaccine availability and appointments, which are expected to increase in coming days.
鈥淭ogether, with science leading the charge, we have taken鈥痑nother important step鈥痜orward鈥痠n our nation鈥檚 fight against COVID-19,鈥 said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D. 鈥淲e know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today鈥檚 decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.鈥濃
CDC will host a call for tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET to discuss its guidance on the primary vaccine series for this age group. For additional CDC and AHA resources on COVID-19 vaccination for children, see the Spotlight section below.