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Pharmacists in Little Rock, Arkansas could start giving children age 5-11 get vaccinated by the first week of November.
Last month, Pfizer announced that its COVID-19 vaccine could be available to 12-year-old and up. Although schools have opened for children, many parents still anxiously anticipate vaccinations for their younger children due to the delta variant, which has caused a significant increase in pediatric infections.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Dr. Bill Gruber, the senior vice president of Pfizer, stated that the company tested a lower dose for children ages 5 to 11. The test results showed that the children developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels comparable to those of teenagers and young adults after receiving their second dose.
The information became controversial for the possible side effects for the children. However, Arkansas pediatricians received the news optimistically. According to Dr. Jessica Snowden, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, there is always the possibility that you will develop a side effect from the vaccine. Still, the danger of COVID-19 for children is highly great, thus vaccinating the children is a good choice.
Read also: Breakthrough COVID Deaths: Scientists Explain Its Risks
Pfizer Vaccines (Photo: Paul Hennessy/LightRocket)
Vaccination In November
In a news report from FOX16, pharmacists in Little Rock anticipate that they will be able to administer vaccinations to children aged 5-11 by the first week of November. According to Kavanaugh Pharmacy owner Anne Pace, her team has been receiving calls from families eagerly awaiting the approval of the Pfizer vaccination for children.
Pace reports that the Arkansas Department of Health might begin obtaining vaccines this week at Kavanaugh Pharmacy. FDA approval is still necessary, but Pace believes it will occur next week. Pace adds that her team is preparing for the possible rush and that they are now recruiting volunteers to operate their vaccination clinic and establishing a sign-up form.
According to Pfizer, The vaccine for children will have a different formula, which means pharmacies will need to stock two separate supplies, one for children ages 5-11 and another for children ages 12+.
UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital are also likely to administer vaccinations for children ages 5-11, although no sign-up list is posted.
Related article: COVID-19 Incentive Program: Arkansas University’s Initiative Successful In Preventing Infections
