CDC Panel Recommends mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Children 6 Months Through 5 years of Age

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend that both the mRNA vaccines (BioNTech or Moderna) be authorized for use in children 6 months through 5 years of age.

With this vote, CDC recommended that, “all children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.”

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can,” CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, said in a statement. “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.”

The committee met on Friday and Saturday to review the data and vote to decide on the recommendation. The 12 voting members voted in favor of the vaccines.

Now with both the FDA and the CDC clearing the way for vaccination, availability for vaccines will likely be this week for families to get vaccinations. The federal agency said distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children 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 this week.