CDC and FDA Recommend Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Use in  People 5 Years of Age and Older 

On October 29^th, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include children 5 through 11 years of age. On November 2^nd, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP), after a thorough review of the evidence from the clinical trials, concluded the vaccine is safe and effective in this age group and supports its use. On November 3^rd, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup (WSSSRW) reaffirmed that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for children 5 to 11 years of age. In addition, the WSSSRW noted that reported reactions to the vaccine were mild and similar to those seen in adolescents and adults and similar to other vaccines routinely recommended for children.

Monterey County Health Department will align itself with the FDA, CDC, and WSSSRW and begin offering COVID-19 vaccination to children 5 to 11 years of age at the primary care clinics and at community vaccination sites throughout Monterey County. The Public Health Bureau will be offering pediatric vaccinations at community clinics starting on Saturday, November 6, from 10am to 4pm at the Breadbox Recreation Center in Salinas (745 N Sanborn Road). Visit the Monterey County Health Department’s COVID-19 website (www.montereycountycovid19.com) or call 2-1-1 to find other COVID-19 vaccination locations.

While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus to others. The public is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. All vaccines are proven to be highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

For more information:

• US FDA Statement:  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use-children-5-through-11-years-age
• CDC Statement:  https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1102-PediatricCOVID-19Vaccine.html
• WSSSRW Statement: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/11/03/western-states-scientific-safety-review-workgroup-finds-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-is-safe-and-effective-for-5-to-11-year-olds/

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