August 2, 2022 COVID-19 Best Practices for Child Care: Vaccinations The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has developed best practices for early learning professionals navigating COVID-19 protocols in their child care programs. On July 25, OCDEL updated its best practices around vaccinations in child care settings due to the authorization of the vaccine in children ages six months and older. About To keep child care providers informed on the latest best practices for keeping children, staff, and families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Key created a webpage that highlights recommended best practices. The latest information is about COVID-19 vaccinations in child care settings. Since many child care programs serve children ages six months and older who are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, it is important to inform parents and caregivers that COVID-19 vaccination for children is highly recommended. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages six months and older will take time, so there will continue to be a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in child care programs. Therefore, it’s very important to use multiple prevention strategies to protect people, including vaccination of staff, families, and eligible children. The PA Key offers information about: how programs can use supportive policies and practices for people to get vaccinated as easily and conveniently as possible; how families can learn about how child care programs are using CDC guidance and procedures; and vaccine resources. For more information, visit the PA Key website.
June 24, 2022 COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Children Six Months through Four Years The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTec and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children six months through four years of age. The authorization was based on the FDA’s thorough and transparent evaluation of the data that included input from independent advisory committee experts who overwhelmingly voted in favor of making the vaccine available to children in this age group. About the COVID-19 Vaccine The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children six months through four years of age is administered as a three-dose primary series, three- to eight weeks apart, but is a lower dose (3 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (10 micrograms). The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose vaccine (25 micrograms) series: the second four to eight weeks after the first. Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to see where vaccines for children are available. Additional Information Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the FDA website.
