We want your questions on opening the COVID-19 vaccine to kids aged 12-15
May 11—Maine is likely to begin vaccinating children as young as 12 against the coronavirus this week as the state presses to get as many kids inoculated as possible before the next school year.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to recommend expanding the use of the Pfizer two-shot vaccine this week. A federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee is expected on Wednesday to recommend the vaccine for that age group when it meets on Wednesday ahead of a final CDC decision to authorize use.
Vaccines were first targeted toward older people who typically experience the worst cases of the virus. Children have appeared to suffer significantly less dangerous cases, but they have represented an increasing percentage of new cases as the national vaccination effort continues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found in August that one-third of children admitted to hospitals received intensive care.
On top of existing eligibility for those 16 and older, the move will open vaccines to nearly half of children in Maine public schools, according to state data. Maine has previewed a plan to have clinics prioritize eligible students at existing clinics and then partnering with schools in June and July on clinics to get as many students and staff vaccinated by the next school year.
We want to know what kinds of questions you have about vaccinating younger children. Help us answer them by taking this survey below.
