Children as young as six months eligible for COVID vaccine
Pfizer and Moderna now offer COVID vaccine for children under five - 13 On Your Side's Arlette Yousif reports
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Moderna COVID vaccine can go into the arms of our little ones beginning June 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A dosage just a fraction of the regular amount for adults is now approved for younger children.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC have now authorized the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccine for children as young as six months.
Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) says this is a step in the right direction.
“It is well-researched. We have probably more data on COVID vaccines than any other vaccine in the history at this point,” says Yuma Regional Medical Center CMO Dr. Bharat Magu.
Dr. Magu says Pfizer's COVID vaccine is one-tenth of a regular dose in a three-dose course. Moderna’s COVID vaccine is a quarter of the regular dose in a two-dose course.
“The grandparents who have not been able to see kids, you know, their grandkids, not being able to travel with parents. And [the] elderly being concerned about the transmission of the disease. So I think this is an opportunity,” explains Dr. Magu.
One local mother, who also works in the medical field, says it’s a good thing.
“I think it’s a good idea because of what’s happening right now because of all the COVID problems that have been in the family. My five-year-old has the COVID vaccine,” says Leticia Cazares.
Cazares isn’t the only one who agrees.
“I think it’s a good idea because we need children vaccinated,” explains Yuma local Ruben Medina.
Dr. Magu says possible side effects in younger children are similar to any other vaccine for that age group, including local reactions and mild fevers… something he says parents are used to.
While YRMC is not offering the COVID vaccine any longer, local pharmacies and clinics are. Visit the Arizona Department of Health Services for all locations offering the COVID vaccine.
