By: Anna Boyd 

Nov 2, 2021^: The CDC released a statement that children 5-11 are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID vaccine. They are offering a lower-dose of Pfizer’s-BioNTech’s vaccine, because of this decision over 28 million children are now able to receive vaccines.  

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, signed the unanimous decision just hours after the vote on Tuesday. The advisory committee is super supportive of this decision. 

 Dr. Beth Bell, a clinical professor at the University of Washington said, “this is a huge step forward for children and parents and I endorse this recommendation.” Physicians acknowledge the concerns of some parents when it comes to the vaccine. They have made known that they only want what is best for the children.  

Even though children are not getting as sick as adults they are still highly impacted by the disease. Since the start of COVID there have been 94 deaths in children aged 5-11 in the United States, according to a medical officer with the CDC.  

If a parent chooses to vaccinate their child, they should take them to their primary physician. If they do not have many County-operated COVID vaccination sites carry the specific Pfizer vaccine. The children will receive a two-dose vaccine that will be three weeks apart. The vaccine is given with a small needle and a third of the dosage that an adult would receive.  

Parental consent is required prior to the vaccination. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.