On October 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Children ages 5-11.
This authorization paves the way for shipments of the new Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine pediatric formulation to begin; however, doses CANNOT be administered until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) completes its review and makes its recommendations.
The FDA has published EUA fact sheets for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine pediatric formulation for healthcare providers and for recipients and caregivers.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) began meeting on November 2 to complete its review and make recommendations to the CDC, which will then issue guidance. Following final CDC action, the Ohio Department of Health will share updated guidance with Ohio vaccine providers. Vaccine providers who plan to administer doses to children ages 5-11 upon approval can continue to prepare by the ODH Interim Provider Guidance for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11.
Vaccine providers with questions may call the ODH Provider Call Center at 1.844.9ODHVAX (1.844.963.4829) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or email COVIDVACCINE@odh.ohio.gov.