PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The FDA is authorizing the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to kids 5 to 11 years old.
The announcement from the FDA comes three days after its vaccine advisory board voted unanimously to okay the lower dose formulation.
The FDA points to data from trials that find the vaccine was 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 through 11. There have been no serious side effects in the estimated 3,100 children those ages who received the vaccine.
Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said as a mother and a physician, she understands many have been waiting for the green light.
She said she hopes it will “bring us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy.”
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Dr. Woodcock added that the “comprehensive and rigorous evaluation” of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness should help assure everyone the vaccine meets their high standards.
The CDC’s advisory committee meets Tuesday to talk about clinical recommendations, but several providers across the region are already scheduling or planning clinics to administer the vaccine to the younger age group.
The Biden administration is hoping to make the process as simple as possible, saying millions of doses will ship to providers as soon as authorization is given.