The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended two COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old, meaning physicians and other vaccinators can begin giving those shots – and they’re now available for ordering through the state’s Vaccine Allocation & Ordering System (VAOS).
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – the final body to weigh in before a vaccine is green-lit on an emergency-use basis – voted to sign off on a three-shot Pfizer vaccine series for children between 6 months and 4 years old, as well as a two-dose Moderna vaccine series for ages 6 months through 5 years. (ACIP is scheduled to discuss recommending the Moderna vaccine for ages 6 to 17 years at its meeting on June 23.)
Following the committee’s June 18 vote on the vaccines, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, quickly endorsed its recommendation.
“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19,” Director Walensky said in a statement. “We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”
CDC’s statement says distribution of the vaccines “has started across the country and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations."
DSHS previously opened up pre-orders for the child COVID vaccines. The agency told Texas Medicine the process for ordering the shots in VAOS now is the same.
Helpful resources for COVID-19 vaccinators can be found at CDC’s COVID Vaccine Product Information page, as well as DSHS’ COVID-19 Vaccination Providers and Vaccine Provider Webinars pages.
Last Updated On
June 21, 2022
Originally Published On
June 21, 2022