The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) endorsed recommendations that all children 6 months through 5 years should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This announcement follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization of the pediatric vaccine last week. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has also approved these recommendations. With this authorization, approximately 27,900 children under the age of 5 are now eligible to be vaccinated in Santa Barbara County. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated. Vaccines are expected to arrive locally as early as this week.

Children under 5 years of age may receive one-tenth of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in a 3-shot series. Alternatively, children 5 years of age and younger may receive one-quarter of the adult dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in a 2-shot series. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are used for this age group. COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination.

According to the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, since March 2020 approximately 2,000,000 cases of COVID-19 have occurred among those less than 5 years of age in the U.S, resulting in approximately 20,000 hospitalizations and approximately 200 deaths, and that there have been a disproportionate number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths among African-American, Hispanic-Latino and Native American children in this age group. Completion of either vaccine series produced antibody levels similar to those achieved in individuals ages 18 -25 years for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and 16- 24 years for Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Observed vaccine reactions among infants ages 6-12 months and children ages 1 through 5 years were consistent with reactions to other vaccines routinely recommended for use in these age groups.

“Our youngest community members are now eligible to receive safe and effective protection from the COVID-19 virus,” shared County Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso. “We have been in contact with local pediatricians and pharmacies to assess incoming supply and will be at the ready to support vaccination needs as they arise.”

Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available locally at pediatric practices, pharmacies, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available, either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech.

Parents should check in with their children’s pediatrician about vaccine availability. Parents can also visit https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see where vaccines for children are available.