May 20, 2022  

Children 5 to 11 Years of Age Now Eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Booster

Covid Boosters for Ages 5-11

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met on May 17 and amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing use of a single booster for children ages 5 through 11 years of age, at least five months after completing a primary series with the Pfizer vaccine.  Following this authorization, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met May 19 and now recommends a booster for this age group to provide additional protection against the virus and to help stem community spread.

While children are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, the effects of the virus are unpredictable. If infected with COVID-19, children can potentially become very ill, have short- and long-term health conditions, and spread COVID-19 to loved ones, and others at school and in the community.

Because protection decreases over time, boosters are recommended to help restore and provide continued protection. Staying up to date, which means getting vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible, is still the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and prevent severe disease, hospitalization, long-term complications, and death.

Most Vaccinated Children Now Eligible

As of May 19, 57,065 or almost 53 percent of children ages 5 -11 in the Fairfax Health District, have been fully vaccinated. Of these, most are now eligible for the booster because it has been at least five months since their second dose. More than 18 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been given to children in this age group in the U.S. The vaccine is safe and effective.

Data showed that side effects from a booster dose for children aged 5–11 years were similar to those seen after the primary series. They were generally mild and could include pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact their child’s medical provider to make an appointment. When making an appointment, ask your provider if your child is caught up on their routine and school-required immunizations. COVID-19 booster doses can be given at the same time, or any time before or after, other vaccines.

Parents and caregivers may also go to www.vaccines.gov to find a location offering COVID-19 vaccines or visit a Health Department clinic.

Stay Up to Date with Boosters and Vaccinations

Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the Fairfax Health District, as well as around the state, and it is a good time to make sure you and your loved ones of all ages are up-to-date with boosters.

In addition to the new booster guidance for 5–11-year-olds, the CDC also strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first.

To help people keep track of their vaccination status, the CDC has launched a new COVID-19 booster tool to learn if and when you (or your child) are eligible or recommended to get a booster.

It is never too late to get vaccinated or get the added protection offered by a COVID-19 booster – even if you have already had COVID-19. By staying up-to-date, we are helping to protect all people in our community from further community spread of the virus.

Stay Informed About COVID-19

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