Published on June 22, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals aged 6 months to 4- years-old. The vaccine is safe and has been tested to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC’s rigorous scientific standards and was formally approved for use by the FDA on June 15.
Thousands of families volunteered to take part in clinical trials to help ensure the COVID-19 vaccines for young children are safe and effective. Moderna and Pfizer have specifically formulated COVID-19 vaccines for younger children. Each dose of Pfizer’s vaccine for children aged 6 months through 4 years is one-tenth of the dosage of the Pfizer vaccine for people aged 12 years and older. Each dose of Moderna’s vaccine for children aged 6 months through 5 years is one-fourth of the dosage of the Moderna vaccine for people aged 18 years and older.
Although fewer children have been infected with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can get sick from COVID-19 and spread COVID-19 to others. Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective method in preventing infection, severe illness, hospitalization and death caused by COVID-19 in both children and adults. Vaccinating children is very important to ensure schools and day care facilities remain open for in-person learning.
“I have heard from many parents who have been anxious for vaccination approval for their young children, and we are thrilled the time has arrived.” said Bob McDonald, Executive Director of the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE). “Getting every eligible child, and adult, vaccinated from COVID-19 is essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Additionally, I’d like to thank the thousands of families who volunteered to take part in the many stages of clinical trials to ensure the COVID-19 vaccines for these young children are safe and work.”
DDPHE is in close coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) on the rollout of the vaccine for children four and under. When the vaccine is available for this age group, check with your child’s pediatrician or make an appointment with a provider. The number of outlets offering vaccines is expected to grow.
Vaccines are free, readily available and requires no proof of insurance or identification. Parental permission is required for anyone under the age of 18 to be vaccinated. Note that parental consent requirements may vary by provider.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at DenverGov.org/COVID19.