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COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children 5-11 Years Old

Date: 11/04/21

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. On November 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that children in that age range be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer vaccine. Providers may begin administration of the vaccine to children 5 to 11 years of age.

Before administering, please review the important vaccine information below:

  • Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine is a different product than its vaccine for adolescents and adults.
    • The pediatric vaccine is:
      • A multiple dose vial with an orange cap, and it requires dilution. Only Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine with an orange cap vial is currently authorized for immunizing children 5 to 11 years of age.
      • Administered via intramuscular injection as a series of two doses (0.2 mL per dose after dilution) three weeks apart.
    • The adolescent/adult Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is:
      • Supplied with a purple cap and must not be used to vaccinate individuals 5 to 11 years of age.
  • To see additional details on storage, preparation and administration, please download the: FDA’s Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine - EUA of The Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 Vaccine To Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)

Please review the following important reminders and requirements:

  • Providers must give all vaccine recipients, or a parent or guardian if the recipient is a minor, the Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers prior to vaccination. Oral or written parental consent is required for vaccination of children in this age group. The parent or guardian does not need to be present during the child’s vaccination once they have provided consent.
  • The vaccine must be administered in accordance with the FDA’s updated Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
  • Other presentations of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are NOT authorized for individuals 5 to 11 years of age.
  • All COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with other vaccines, including a seasonal influenza vaccine, without any waiting.
  • Vaccination providers must report adverse reactions to any vaccine through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at vaers.hhs.gov.
  • Providers should encourage all vaccine recipients or their parents/guardians to consider enrolling in V-safe, CDC’s tool that provides health check-ins after someone receives a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Providers are required to report all doses administered to ImmTrac2 daily. Note: race and ethnicity are mandatory to report.

For additional vaccine details and resources, please visit: DSHS COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage.