The U.S. Food and Drug Administration met on June 16 and
amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) authorizing children under age 5 to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Following this authorization, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on June 18 and now
recommends vaccination for everyone over age 6 months to provide protection against the virus and to help stem community spread.
Pfizer’s vaccine, for kids younger than 5, is one-tenth of the adult dose. Three shots are needed: the first two given three to eight weeks apart and the last at least two months later. Moderna’s is two shots, each a quarter of its adult dose, given four weeks to eight weeks apart for kids under age 6.
While young children are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, the effects of the virus are unpredictable. If infected with COVID-19, children can potentially become very ill, have short- and long-term health conditions, and spread COVID-19 to loved ones, and others at school and in the community. Studies from Moderna and Pfizer showed side effects, including fever and fatigue, were mostly minor.
Where to Get a Vaccine
Parents should call their child’s pediatrician or medical provider to see if they plan to carry the vaccine and make an appointment. Vaccinations at Fairfax County Health Department sites are available starting on Tuesday, June 21. Appointments are not required. Only Moderna will be available for the youngest population upon opening hours, but Pfizer will be delivered and is expected to be available after noon at the following sites:
Some pharmacies (and grocery stores with pharmacies) may offer one, or both, vaccines for this age group. However,
current Virginia law limits the ages of children to whom pharmacists can administer vaccine to those older than 3 years old, so you should call first to check availability and the age groups that could be vaccinated in pharmacies based on the provider available.
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