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.
December 15, 2021 Upcoming PPS COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics UPMC is partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools to hold vaccine clinics this upcoming, Saturday, December 18 for PPS students, families, staff and the school community, ages 5+. The second dose clinic will be held on January 8, 2022. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. Interested families may register online. Vaccine Availability Ages 5 -11: First & second dose pediatric Pfizer Ages 12-15: First & second dose Pfizer Ages 16 – 17: First, second & booster dose Pfizer Ages 18+: First, second & booster dose Pfizer, Moderna or J&J Please note: Boosters are available for individuals 16+, at least six months from their second dose (Pfizer/Moderna) or two months from their first dose (J&J). Individuals aged 16-17 are only eligible for a Pfizer booster and individuals 18+ will have their choice of Moderna, Pfizer or J&J for their booster. Locations and Times Pittsburgh Langley, Cafeteria (2940 Sheraden Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15204): 9:00-11:00am Pittsburgh Lincoln, Cafeteria (328 Lincoln Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206): 9:00-11:00am Pittsburgh Morrow, Gym (3530 Fleming Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212): 1:00-3:00pm Pittsburgh Weil, Cafeteria (2250 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219): 1:00-3:00pm UPMC South Side (2000 Mary St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203): 10:00-2:00pm
December 8, 2021 Webinar – COVID-19 Vaccines for School-Aged Children: What Parents and Families Should Know Join NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Education on December 9 at 8:00pm, ET for an informational webinar following the official approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech age 5-11 vaccine. Registration for this virtual event is available online. During the webinar, panelists including United States Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, along with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, will join NAFSCE Executive Director, Vito Borrello for a series of presentations and constructive conversation to support parents and families as they consider the COVID-19 vaccine for their child(ren). Parents and caregivers can learn more about the following questions: How was the vaccine developed? How many children participated in the study for approval? Will my child(ren) be safe taking the vaccine? What are the side effects? Should my child(ren) get the vaccine? Where can I take my child to get the vaccine? Parents are invited to submit questions about the vaccine on the registration form. Pre-submitted questions will help plan the content of the session. Time will also be reserved for live questions and answers at the end of the event.
