NYC Ready To Give COVID Vaccine To 5-11 Year Olds

NEW YORK CITY — New York City will offer coronavirus vaccine shots to 5- to 11-year-olds starting Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

De Blasio said the vaccination drive's expansion depends on a few final federal steps expected Wednesday, but that officials are moving forward under the assumption young New Yorkers will be eligible to receive the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.

“Tomorrow is going to be a historic day for the city and our fight against COVID as we reach our youngest New Yorkers,” he said.

🆕 All New Yorkers age 5 and older can now receive a free COVID-19 vaccine! @NYCschools are offering the first dose of Pfizer vaccinations to eligible students ages 5-11 for one day during the month of November.

Visit https://t.co/HJBkAIwIe5 to learn more. pic.twitter.com/m33IA0fz5C
— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) November 3, 2021

Kid-sized doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine received two green lights Tuesday — a recommendation from CDC advisers followed by a go-ahead from Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who heads the agency.

The approval needs a few finishing touches, but overall fulfills a long-awaited goal, said Dave Chokshi, the city's health commissioner.

“I know there are a number of parents and pediatricians who are breathing a huge sigh of relief,” he said.

City-run vaccination sites will have child doses available Thursday, Chokshi said.

And city officials also will start a week-long vaccination drive Nov. 8 across 1,070 schools, de Blasio announced.

The vaccinations will be conducted during the school day, provided a parent or guardian is present or has given verbal consent by phone, de Blasio said.

Council Member Mark Treyger said the school vaccination drive will be an effective use of community resources.

“This is a significant turning point in our city’s battle against this pandemic,” he said.