COVID-19, Federal | October 22, 2021

Biden-Harris Administration Outlines Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11

This week, the Biden-Harris Administration detailed the latest operational planning for COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11. In anticipation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) scheduled review on October 26 and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) scheduled review on November 2-3, the Biden-Harris Administration plans to quickly distribute vaccine supply if an authorization is granted by the FDA and CDC.

The Administration’s plan will mobilize public and private sectors to ensure convenient and equitable availability of vaccines throughout the country, including:

  • Securing Vaccine Supply: The Administration has procured enough vaccine to support vaccination of the country’s 28 million children ages 5-11. If authorized, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be a specific dose and formula for this age group, including packaging in smaller configurations of 10-dose vials in cartons of 10 vials each. Product will be delivered in a newly updated shipper, and the vaccine can be stored for up to 10 weeks at standard refrigeration temperatures and six months at ultralow temperatures.
  • Standing Up Vaccine Sites at Familiar Settings: The Administration is working to ensure the availability of vaccine at accessible and convenient locations. This includes:
    • Over 25,000 pediatricians’ offices and other primary care sites
    • Over 100 children’s hospitals and health systems nationwide
    • Tens of thousands of pharmacies participating in the federal government’s pharmacy program
    • Hundreds of school- and community-based clinics
    • Hundreds of community health centers and rural health clinics
  • Supporting Education and Engagement to Build Trust: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will launch a national public education campaign to reach parents and guardians with accurate and culturally responsive information about COVID-19 vaccines and the risks that the COVID-19 virus poses to children. This campaign will feature partnerships with trusted messengers, schools, state and local health departments, and national and community organizations to build public trust.

Additional information from the Biden-Harris Administration is available here.