CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signed off on the recommendation hours later.
The CDC advisory panel decided to recommend the shots for all children.
More than 1.9 million kids have been infected and nearly 100 have died.
Yuliia Kutsaieva / Getty Images
Cases among kids are likely undercounted.
Nearly 40% of children aged 5 to 11 have someimmunityto COVID-19, according to antibody tests from September.
Theclinical trialconducted by Pfizer involved more than 4,600 children.
But this sample was not large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as myocarditis.
The participants experienced side effects similar to those seen in teens and adults.
Were talking about one risk that people are focusing on with the vaccine.
I would keep in mind there are a lot of different risks for having COVID, Oster said.
What This Means For You
There will be no mass vaccination sites for children.
The two shots will be given three weeks apart and administered with a smaller needle.
Health clinics and doctors offices across the country have alreadystarted preparingfor the rollout.
Families can visit their primary and pediatric care teams to ask questions about and receive the shot.
More than 100 childrens hospitals will administer shots.
These sites will help reach children with underlying medical conditions, according to the White House.
Why Is Vaccination Important for Kids 511?
The vaccines do more than preventing death from COVID-19.
Milder post-COVID-19 conditions include fatigue, headache, insomnia, and muscle and joint pain.
These can affect childrens ability to participate in physical activities, perform in school, and socialize with others.
Vaccination may also decrease transmission within households and communities.
Based on our expertise and the information that we have, were all very enthusiastic.
We do understand that people have legitimate concerns and that they have lots of questions, she added.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
