Governor Hochul Highlights CDC's Recommendation of COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Under Five

 Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted the recommendation made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use the COVID-19 vaccine for children under five, which is the final step in federal authorization and allows administration by providers. The State Department of Health will finalize operational guidance for vaccination providers this upcoming week. With the CDC‘s recommendation, providers who pre-ordered vaccines may begin vaccinating. Providers may wait for the CDC’s written updated “Interim Clinical Considerations” and the State’s guidance document before commencing.    

“As the grandmother of a beautiful baby girl, I can say with a full heart that this is really fantastic news for parents, guardians, and loved ones alike. We have been patiently waiting for the chance to provide this life-saving tool to our youngest New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Parents and guardians, now is the time to reach out to your pediatrician and discuss getting your young children vaccinated over the summer break.” 

Today, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and its Director, Dr. Rochelle Wallensky, recommended use of the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine under Emergency Use Authorization to include use in children down to six months of age. The New York State Department of Health will review the Interim Clinical Considerations as they are released by the CDC and finalize the operational guidance for vaccination providers in the coming days. 

In addition to currently drafting guidance that will soon be shared with providers, New York State has already taken important steps to prepare for the rollout of vaccines to children under the age of five. State providers from outside of New York City have placed preliminary orders for over 39,000 dosages, and the State Department of Health is working to ensure providers across the state will be able to request additional doses. Later this summer, the State Department of Health will launch a comprehensive, statewide paid media campaign to encourage getting vaccinated to all who are now eligible. 

Vaccines for children down to six months of age will be widely available statewide, including through pediatricians, family physicians, local county health departments, federally qualified health centers, and pharmacies enrolled in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s healthcare provider about scheduling a vaccine appointment for children under five years of age.