BREAKING: U.S. gives final clearance to COVID-19 vaccines for kids as young as 5
WASHINGTON -- U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation's vaccination campaign.
The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for the younger age group -- doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formally recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines -- and its advisers unanimously decided Pfizer's shots should be opened to 28 million youngsters.
"There are children in the second grade who have never experienced a normal school year," Walensky said. "Pediatric vaccination has the power to help us change all of that." Many parents have clamored for vaccine protection for youngsters so they can resume normal childhood activities without risking their own health -- or fear bringing the virus home to a more vulnerable family member. But CDC's advisers said they recognize many parents also have questions, and may be fearful of the vaccine because of rampant misinformation.
And while the U.S. has seen a recent downturn in COVID-19 cases, experts are worried about another uptick with holiday travel and as winter sends more activity indoors where it's easier for the coronavirus to spread.
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