IPSWICH – Interim Town Manager Mary Gallivan and Public Health Director Colleen Fermon wish to share information on new guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 and under.
On June 17, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 17. On June 18, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for young children.
The Moderna pedatric vaccine series is a two-shot regimen 28 days apart. The dose is 25mcg, about one-quarter of the Moderna 18+ dose. A third dose will be available for children who are immunocompromised, delivered one month after the second dose.
The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine series is a three-dose regimen, with the second dose 21 days after the first, and the third dose at least eight weeks later. The dose is 3mcg, which is about one-tenth of the Pfizer-BioNTech 12+ dose.
“Each approved COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be overwhelmingly safe and effective in preventing serious illness,” Director Fermon said. “We urge all parents to contact their child’s pediatrician, who can answer questions about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines.”
The Town also shares the following resources to connect with clinics offering pediatric vaccines:
- The state’s Vaxfinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov lists hundreds of clinic locations. Users will be able to search for locations and book appointments. Many locations will be booking appointments weeks in advance.
- Communities in the Greater Cape Ann Community Collaborative host regular standing clinics. For more information about these clinics, visit capeannclinic.com.
More information about pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations may be found on the CDC website.