Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine authorized for children 5 to 11

This email is being sent to COVID-19 Vaccine Providers, Covid-19 Vaccine Local Heath Jurisdiction Partners and Emergency Response contacts.

Dear COVID-19 Vaccine Providers,

Yesterday, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup voted unanimously to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11. This is a much-anticipated step in our state’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thanks for all the work you’ve done preparing for this next step.

Here’s what you should do:

1. If you have Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine in stock, you may begin administering it to children ages 5 to 11. You can also begin ordering the vaccine through the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS). Be sure to order the pediatric formulation because it is different than the existing formulation: it needs dilution, and children get a smaller-size dose. You cannot give the formulation approved for adolescents and adults to anyone age 11 and under.
2. Consider offering special clinic hours (like evenings or weekends) to make it easier for parents and guardians to come and get their child vaccinated.
3. Make it easy for the child to get their second dose on schedule. Schedule the child’s second-dose appointment while they’re getting their first dose.
4. Encourage parents and guardians to add their child on v-safe and answer the health check-ins. This information helps CDC monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in almost real time.
5. Keep your clinic’s information up to date in VaccineFinder and Vaccine Locator. DOH will update Vaccine Locator in the coming days to add an option for “Pfizer-BioNTech Pediatric” vaccine.
6. Continue to check back on DOH’s webpages for updates and new materials:

a. Use the materials from our pediatric communications toolkit,

b. Check out our page on vaccinating youth,

c. Order free stickers and buttons to give out to your patients, and

d. Sign up for the Power of Providers initiative at doh.wa.gov/POP for free swag and resources.

Here’s what you should know:

• Data showed that COVID-19 vaccines for ages 5 to 11 are not only effective, but safe, and adverse events are rare.
• Initially the COVID-19 vaccine for children may be limited as supply builds. Supply is expected to level off and reach a consistent cadence within a few weeks.
• The pediatric vaccine (orange cap) has the same ingredients as the adolescent/adult version (purple or gray caps), but it’s one-third of the dosage. This vaccine needs diluent, which will be provided with the ancillary supplies.
• The minimum order size is 100 doses. Connect with depot sites if you need smaller quantities.
• We know vaccination is the best protection available and want to be sure all children in Washington state can be served. While we recognize not all parents or guardians may choose vaccination immediately, we’ll work with health care providers, community partners, schools, and other partners to support parents in their decision-making.

For more information, you can also see:

• CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old
• FDA’s news release on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorization for children 5-11 years old
• CDC’s news release on pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years old

• Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup letter on Pfizer-BioNTech emergency use authorization for 5-11 years old (PDF)

In partnership,

COVID-19 Vaccine Program
Prevention and Community Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov
360-236-3873 | www.doh.wa.gov