The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory group on Saturday unanimously recommended Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old, which was quickly accepted by the CDC.The development was followed rapidly by vaccine clinic announcements from some states and guidance from others on how parents can find doses from providers who have doses from the first wave federal shipments.Much of the COVID-19 vaccine administration for the youngest age is predicted to occur in doctor's offices, similar to that for other vaccines.
The vaccines will also be available through some pharmacies and local health departments.ACIP vote, CDC endorsement were final hurdlesAfter the vote, in a statement accepting the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, said the recommendation expands immunization to about 20 million more kids and means that all Americans ages 6 months and up are now eligible.She urged all children, including ones who have already had COVID-19, to be vaccinated."We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today's decision, they can," Walensky said. "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."After ACIP's vote, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations, including a strong recommendation that children in the youngest age-group receive it.In a statement, AAP President Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD, said