Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Kitsap Healthcare Providers: Vaccine for Children 5-11 years old

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Background:

COVID-19 VACCINE FOR CHILDREN 5-11 YEARS OLD

Following a vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Nov. 2, CDC recommended a lower dose (10 mcg in 0.2 mL) of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all children 5–11 years old under FDA’s expanded EUA. Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approved this recommendation on Nov. 3.

The pediatric dose is one third the dose for people 12 years or older. It is a 2-dose series, administered intramuscularly, at least 3 weeks apart. A booster dose is not currently recommended for anyone under 18 years old.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine pediatric formulation will arrive in a 10-dose vial with an orange cap and an orange border on the label and must be diluted before use. The pediatric formulation can be stored for 6 months in an ultra-low temperature freezer (-90°C to -60°C) and 10 weeks in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).

The pediatric formulation should not be administered to anyone 12 years or older. The adult vaccine cannot be used or cut to administer to children.

  • If a child 5–11 years old accidently receives a 30 mcg dose for their first dose, they should receive a single age-appropriate (10 mcg) dose for their second dose 21 days later, and be considered as having completed their primary series.
  • If a child 5-11 years accidentally receives a 30 mcg dose for their second dose, they should be considered as having completed their primary series.

CDC and FDA approval came after research showed no observed adverse events of special interest, including anaphylaxis, myocarditis, pericarditis or Bell’s palsy. As more children get vaccine, we anticipate possible cases. Healthcare providers are required to report all adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The vaccine showed similar efficacy (~90.7%) observed among adolescents and adults.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted children. COVID-19 is the eighth leading cause of death in children 5–11 years old in the U.S. 32% of children hospitalized from COVID-19 had no underlying health conditions. About 8% of children with COVID-19 have long-term sequalae. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after COVID-19 is highest among children 5–11 years old. Providers reported 5,217 cases of MIS-C since Oct. 4, 2021. 60–70% of these patients were admitted to intensive care and 1–2% died.

We encourage you to reach out to your pediatric patients and their caregivers and promote how vaccination would benefit them. COVID-19 vaccine can be given on the same day, at the same appointment, as other vaccines, as long as they are given at different injection sites. Help your pediatric population catch up on their routine vaccinations, too.

CDC will post updated clinical considerations soon.

COVID-19 VACCINE RESOURCES

PATIENT EDUCATION

Share the following materials with patients.

CONTACTING THE HEALTH DISTRICT

Our phone lines are open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

  • Main (360) 728-2235 (a local call throughout Kitsap County)
  • Fax (360) 813-1379
  • TTY 1-800-877-8339

Additional Resources: