Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Children Aged 5–11 Years
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Children Aged 5–11 Years — United States, November 2021
Early Release / November 5, 2021 / 70
Kate R. Woodworth, MD1; Danielle Moulia, MPH1; Jennifer P. Collins, MD1; Stephen C. Hadler, MD1; Jefferson M. Jones, MD1; Sujan C. Reddy, MD1; Mary Chamberland, MD1,2; Doug Campos-Outcalt, MD3; Rebecca L. Morgan, PhD4; Oliver Brooks, MD5; H. Keipp Talbot, MD6; Grace M. Lee, MD7; Beth P. Bell, MD8; Matthew F. Daley, MD9; Sarah Mbaeyi, MD1; Kathleen Dooling, MD1; Sara E. Oliver, MD1 (View author affiliations)
Summary
What is already known about this topic?
On October 29, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration granted Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5–11 years.
What is added by this report?
On November 2, 2021, after a systematic review of available data, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made an interim recommendation for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5–11 years in the United States for prevention of COVID-19.
What are the implications for public health practice?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has high efficacy (>90%) against COVID-19 in children aged 5–11 years, and benefits outweigh risks for vaccination. Vaccination is important to protect children against COVID-19 and reduce community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. (continues)
