COVID-19 vaccines will be available for children under 5 for the first time following their approval on Saturday by the
The
The panel's recommendation was then quickly accepted by
The expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination means that nearly 20 million additional children, including all Americans ages 6 months and older, are now qualified to be immunized against the disease.
"Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation's fight against COVID-19," Walensky said in an issued statement. "We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today's decision, they can."
She encouraged parents and caregivers with questions "to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated."
The agency said distribution of pediatric vaccinations for the youngest children has already started across the country and doses will be available "this week" at pediatric practices, pharmacies, qualified health centers, local health departments, clinics and other locations.
The decision came one day after
Immediately after Saturday's approval, the
"We must not let up in our efforts to make sure all families can benefit from the protection of these vaccines," AAP President
During the panel hearing, pediatrician Dr.
"Pediatricians know the power of vaccines to protect infants, children, adolescents and entire communities against deadly and debilitating infectious diseases," she said. "We've successfully immunized millions of children and adolescents to protect them from COVID-19. Families with infants and toddlers need and deserve the same chance to protect their children against this virus."
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