Kids 5 to 11 can now get coronavirus booster shot

by

Kobee Vance

• Published on May 26, 2022 • Comments

A nurse holds a vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, right, and a vial of the vaccine for adults, which has a different colored label, at a vaccination station in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. U.S. regulators authorized a COVID-19 booster shot for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, hoping an extra vaccine dose will enhance their protection as infections once again are on the rise.
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File

Booster doses of the coronavirus vaccine are now available for children in Mississippi between the ages 5 and 11 years old.

Coronavirus vaccine manufacturer Pfizer has gained approval from both the FDA and CDC to administer booster doses in this young age group. Dr. Geri Weiland is a pediatrician in Vicksburg and President of the Mississippi State Medical Association. She says the group of kids who are fully vaccinated have been waiting for their booster dose for months.

"If we have a child who has underlying health issues and they've been vaccinated, it's very important for them to get their booster," explains Dr. Weiland. "That does not just include children who have immunosuppressed systems. It can be children who have other underlying health such as asthma, diabetics."

"Obesity is a problem in Mississippi and we know those children are at more risk just like the adults are."

Coronavirus vaccines were first introduced for the 5-11 age group in November, however, there has been low uptake in vaccinations among Mississippi adolescents.

Coronavirus cases in the state have risen marginally within recent weeks, and Dr. Weiland is reminding residents that oral antivirals are available for Mississippians 12 years and older. She says these pills are for people who have already tested positive and want to avoid severe illness.

"Don't just say 'Oh, I have COVID, I'll just go home,' " say's Dr. Weiland. "Definitely, if you have underlying health issues, if you're over 65 - whatever your vaccine status - if you're positive, if you can take the oral agents, you need to take them."

Pfizer has also recently applied with the FDA to authorize booster doses in the youngest applicable age group of 6 months to 4 years old.