The White House announced yesterday its plan to start vaccinating 28 million children aged 5 to 11 against Covid-19 next month, with the Pfizer vaccine, as soon as health authorities give the green light.
"Our planning efforts mean we will be ready to start vaccinations in the coming days following a final recommendation," announced the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a press release.
A committee of CDC experts is expected to meet on 2 and 3 November, and the Authority's recommendation is expected to be issued soon after that date.
An advisory committee of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (FDA) will study beforehand the data submitted by Pfizer on October 26. If the recommendation is positive, the FDA will give its formal approval, paving the way for the CDC.
The vaccines will be made available to pediatricians, pediatric hospitals, but also in schools, the White House said.
The packaging of the vaccines was modified to make them easier to use by these outlets, in packs of 10 vials (containing 10 doses each). The government will also distribute the necessary equipment, including smaller needles.