On June 18^th  the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years of age and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 5 years of age. This recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and California Department of Public Health.

The CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States provides an up-to-date resource on the use of COVID-19 vaccines across the age spectrum as well as special situations.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months through 4 years of age is supplied in a maroon capped vial with a label with a maroon border. Once received, frozen vials may be immediately transferred to the refrigerator [2ºC to 8ºC (35ºF to 46ºF)], thawed and stored for up to 10 weeks. Alternatively, frozen vials may be stored in an ultra-low temperature freezer at -90°C to -60°C (-130° to -76°F) for up to 12 months from the date of manufacture. The vaccine must be diluted prior to administration at a dose of 0.2ml (3µg) in a three dose primary series. The intervals between the 1st and 2nd doses are 3-8 weeks and at least 8 weeks, respectively. This vaccine may be co-administered with other routine vaccines.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months through 5 years of age is supplied in a dark blue capped vial with a label with a magenta border. Once received, vials should be stored frozen between -50°C to -15°C (-58°F to 5°F). The vials also may be stored refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 30 days. The vaccine is NOT diluted and is administered at a dose of 25µg (0.25 ml) in a two dose primary series. The interval between the doses is 4-8 weeks. This vaccine may be co-administered with other routine vaccines. In those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, an additional primary dose should be administered at least 8 weeks after the 2nd dose.

Contraindications to vaccination are a history of severe allergic reaction after previous dose, or to a component of a COVID-19 vaccine, or known allergy to a component of a COVID-19 vaccine.

There is currently no recommendation for the administration of booster doses following receipt of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine series in children 6 months through 4 years, or the Moderna vaccine series at 6 months through 5 years of age.

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