Vaccine For Ages 5-11 Gets Final Approval, CO Rollout to Begin

COLORADO — Federal health officials gave the final clearance Tuesday for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11.

The Food and Drug Administration already cleared the kids' vaccine dose, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the final signoff. An advisory panel on Tuesday unanimously decided to give the green light for the kids' dose, which is a third of the dose given to adults.

“Finally, we have full federal approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children," Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement released Tuesday evening. "Now our youngest Coloradans can finally have the protection they need and deserve to stay safe from the COVID-19 virus. By getting this shot, our kids can enjoy in-person learning with their teachers and classmates without fear of getting sick. Our kids can go back to being kids!

"I can’t tell you enough what a relief this is as a parent of two young children who are now eligible to get their vaccine. I thank CDC Director Walensky and the FDA for their work in vetting this safe, effective vaccine for our nation’s children. Colorado stands ready to swiftly distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to kids across all four corners of our state, ensuring equitable distribution and widespread access to every child in need of the lifesaving vaccine.”

In a news conference Oct. 29, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said the state is ready to begin the rollout for the kids' vaccine as soon as the final clearance is given.

“Being able to vaccinate 5-11-year-old children will be a crucial step in our COVID-19 response,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer with the state public health agency.

“Vaccines are the best protection against COVID-19, and we are excited to be able to offer this additional protection to more children in Colorado soon. We are rolling out a statewide campaign to ensure vaccines for this age group are readily available and easy for Coloradans to access.”

Don’t miss the latest news updates in Denver, Boulder, Arvada, Lakewood and Littleton. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 will be available at many of the same places administering vaccines right now: doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community vaccination events, local public health clinics, school-based health clinics and other sites, Colorado public health officials said.

"It is normal for children to have questions about vaccines or to be nervous about receiving one, and it can be helpful to empower them in the decision making process by involving them in decisions such as which arm they would like the vaccine in, or what they would like to listen to or watch on the way to the appointment," the state said in a news release.

"Helpful information for talking with children about vaccines can be found from trusted sources like CDC, CDPHE, and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website."

The state launched a new web page with information and resources about COVID-19 vaccinations in this age group.