Things moved swiftly in the last week. FDA authorized the use Pfizer’s pediatric (10ug mRNA) vaccine, CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously urged the CDC Director to recommend the vaccine, which she did late last week.
The vaccine comes in 10 dose vials with 30 vials to a box. Because HHS contracted with Pfizer for an adequate supply it won’t be necessary to use lower doses of the adult vaccine to immunize kids.
Providers and county health departments pre-ordered the vaccine over the last couple of weeks. Shipments began last Sunday with vaccine and the ancillary kits arriving last Tuesday.
Most Arizona county health departments are using pediatric practices and community health centers (medical homes) as the Plan A locations to vaccinate kids-. They are also organizing community events. Additionally, pharmacy chains are ordering and vaccinating.
Vaccines are free, and no identification, proof of residency, or insurance is required. Maricopa County has a complete list of vaccination sites on their website at www.Maricopa.gov/
National data suggests that about 1/3 of parents plan to vaccinate their children as soon as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
The pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is one-third the dosage given to teens and adults, will still require two shots at least three weeks apart. Vaccination of children age 5-11 with two doses is 91% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
