ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME News) — Randolph County Public Health (RCPH) is now scheduling appointments for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for this age group on Oct. 29, 2021. The FDA based its decision on a thorough review of data, which included input from an independent advisory committee. In trials involving about 3,100 children, no serious side effects have been identified.
The pediatric version of the vaccine is administered in two doses, three weeks apart, with a lower dosage than that used for those 12 and older.
The announcement comes as some parents remain uncertain about vaccinating their children. A recent poll found that one-third of parents plan to “wait and see” before deciding, while 30% say they will only vaccinate if schools require it. Local school systems have not announced any vaccine mandates.
The first clinic for the pediatric vaccine will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., with second doses scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. Additional clinics will be announced in the coming weeks, RCPH said.
Read more about the emergency use authorization and get more information on the FDA website.
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