Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Children as young as 5 will be offered Covid-19 vaccinations in the United States.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended the rollout of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, to children aged 5 - 11.
The recommendation will now expand vaccine access to approximately 28 million children in the US.
Vaccinations can begin immediately.
The CDC noted the vaccine was "nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19" in that age group, similar to that of adults.
Children under 12 will receive a paediatric dose, which is one third the dosage of an adult vaccine.
The press release continued noting "In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm."
In Ireland, only those who are 12 and over are being offered a vaccine.
CDC accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children ages 5–11 be vaccinated against #COVID19.
— CDC (@CDCgov) November 3, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine authorized for this group is over 90% effective at preventing COVID-19.
More: https://t.co/cX2X5nMns7
