Schoolchildren take the spotlight this week as the U.S. enters a new phase in COVID-19 vaccination aimed at curbing deaths, hospitalizations and more than a year of disrupted education.
With authorities promising enough vaccine to protect the nation's 28 million kids ages 5-11, pediatricians' offices, pharmacies, hospitals and schools were poised to begin the shots after the final OK late Tuesday.
Cate Zeigler-Amon, 10, arrived with her mom and was first in line early Wednesday for a drive-through vaccination at Viral Solutions in Atlanta. The girl bounced around the car, her body hanging halfway out the window in excitement before the shot, which she broadcast live on her computer during morning announcements at her elementary school.
Many locations planned mass vaccination events in coming days. The vaccine — one-third the dose for teens and adults — requires two shots three weeks apart. Children who get vaccinated before Thanksgiving will be fully covered by Christmas.
“This is a big milestone for 5- to 11-year-olds because they make up nearly 40% of children under 18,” said Dr. Jennifer Shu, a Decatur, Georgia, pediatrician, who received her first shipment Tuesday morning.
“The timing before winter holidays is very fortunate,” she added. “This age group will be able to spend holidays with friends and family more safely than they have been able to since the start of the pandemic.”
