“Parents in Line” for Children’s Vaccine in Pennsylvania: Latest Updates

PENNSYLVANIA – Deployment of the vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 has started in Pennsylvania, with authorities reporting high participation in the first week since the vaccine was approved by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.

In total, more than 414,000 doses of the vaccine, specially designed with one-third of the regular vaccine drug, have been distributed to suppliers across Pennsylvania.

“It’s exciting to see parents lining up to get their children vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus that has caused this pandemic,” Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam said at a press briefing this week. “I tell other parents: if you have a child between the ages of 5 and 11, get them immunized and empower your child to learn, play and be a safe child.”

The state has fully immunized 72.2% of its adult population aged 18 and over. However, children under 12, who constitute a huge block of individuals in schools, have been exposed to the virus in increasing numbers in recent months without any vaccine protection.

Infection rates among schoolchildren were up to 11 times higher this fall than last fall, which officials attribute in part to the more contagious Delta variant of the virus. About a quarter of all new cases involve children, authorities said.

Only Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children aged 5 to 11 at this time. Existing clinics are dosed statewide, and providers work directly with schools to establish new clinics, either on school grounds or nearby.

“The CDC tells us that it will be increasing shipments directly to suppliers in the days and weeks to come,” added Beam.

Similar to what has been seen in adult vaccine trials, the vaccination was nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children aged 5 to 11, according to the CDC announcement. In clinical trials, side effects of the vaccine were mild, self-limited, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was pain in the arm.

To find a vaccine supplier and make an appointment near you, click here.