SEATTLE — Vials of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 are on the way to Washington State in anticipation of final approval in the coming days.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel meets Tuesday to consider the evidence from trials in advance of a decision by the CDC Director.
In Washington, the vaccine will become available once a Western States scientific work group signs off.
Last week, state health officials said vaccinations could be available as early as the end of this week.
“I encourage parents to vaccinate their children as soon as possible, and I hope we can all enjoy a safe and vaccinated holiday season,” said Dr. John Hawes, a Swedish pediatrician, on a press call hosted by the Washington State Hospital Association.
“This is a very safe and effective vaccine,” said Dr. Mary Fairchok, Medical Director of Pediatric Infectious Disease Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
State officials expect more than 300,000 doses to be available initially, with many shots given at doctor’s offices and pharmacies.
A few days ago, UW Medicine set up a waiting list for people interested in getting an appointment.
As of Monday, 8,000 people had signed up.
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