The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to be given to kids between the ages of 5 and 11. Pediatric doses of the vaccine could begin arriving in Texas within one to five days.
State and county health officials ordered 1.3 million doses of the pediatric vaccine in anticipation of the FDA's decision. Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services hope parents will take advantage of the opportunity to give younger kids protection against the virus.
"What I tell my family and friends is: it's not only for my daughter's health and safety, but vaccinating her also protects our extended loved ones. So, for my parents who are in their 60's and 70's, targeting vaccinations helps them as well," said Associate Commissioner Imelda Garcia. "I can tell you that my daughter will be vaccinated, and I'm really excited about that."
Pediatricians in North Texas acknowledge some parents will still have questions about the vaccine.
"I personally am going to be spending a lot of time educating about it. I know parents are going to be nervous," said Dr. Diane Arnaout with Cook Children's Health Care System. "I'm not going to judge them. I get it."
Based on her experience, she does encourage parents to have their kids vaccinated.
"Unlike a large majority of the population, I've seen kids get really sick with COVID," she said. "I don't want a family to be sitting on a hospital bed regretting that decision."
While doses of the pediatric vaccine could arrive in Texas as soon as this weekend, it may be a few more days before doctors begin administering doses to patients between the ages of 5 and 11. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting on Tuesday, November 2 to discuss a recommendation for that age group.
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