'Parents Lining Up' For Kids Vaccine In PA: Latest Updates

PENNSYLVANIA — The vaccine rollout for children ages 5 to 11 has begun in Pennsylvania, with officials reporting a strong turnout in the first week since the shot was approved by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.

A total of more than 414,000 doses of the vaccine, specifically designed with a third of the medicine of the regular vaccine, has been distributed to providers across Pennsylvania.

“It is exciting to see parents lining up to get their children vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus that caused this pandemic," Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said during a news briefing this week. “To fellow parents I say: If you have a child between 5 and 11, get them vaccinated and give your child the power to safely learn, play and be a kid.”

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Exact data on how many children have received the vaccine statewide in this newly approved, youngest age group was not immediately available.

The state has fully vaccinated 72.2 percent of its adult, 18 and over population. However, children under 12, who comprise a huge bloc of the individuals in schools, have been exposed to the virus in increasing droves in recent months without any vaccine protection.

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

Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children 5-11 at this point. Existing clinics are receiving doses around the state and providers are working directly with schools to establish new clinics, either on school property or nearby.

“The CDC tells us they will be ramping up deliveries directly to the providers in the coming days and weeks," Beam added.

Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years, the CDC announcement said. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm.

To find a vaccine provider and schedule an appointment near you, see here.