CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine
to Children 5 Years and Younger
June 21, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations for vaccinating children 5 years of age and younger against COVID-19. The recommendation clears the way for the nearly 65,000 young Mainers in this age group who are now eligible to get vaccinated.
Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines for use with all ages (6 months and older) eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Previously, only the Pfizer vaccine was available for children younger than 18.
Providers may begin vaccinating as soon as possible. Parents can visit VaccineFinder to verify which providers have younger pediatric vaccines available or call their child’s doctor’s office.
Vaccine dosage is based on the brand of the vaccine and a person’s age the day they receive the vaccine, not weight. Depending on the type of vaccine given, children younger than 5 may need 2 or 3 doses.
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Pfizer vaccine: Children ages 6 months through 4 years of age will need 3 doses to complete their primary vaccine series. The 2nd dose should be given 21 days after the 1st dose and then a 3rd dose 2 months after the 2nd dose.
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Moderna vaccine: Children ages 6 months through 5 years of age will need 2 doses to complete their primary vaccine series. The 2nd dose should be given at least 28 days after the 1st dose.
The Maine CDC is also launching a public awareness campaign, BraveLikeME encouraging parents to talk to their child’s doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Below is a list of resources and upcoming informational activities related to the recommendation:
For any questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or email: ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.
Thank you for your continued efforts to ensure that all Mainers have access to COVID-19 vaccination.
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