Western States Work Group Finds Pfizer Safe For Children, L.A. Begins Administering to Children 5 to 11.

Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Finds Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine is Safe and Effective for 5 to 11-Year-Olds

SACRAMENTO – The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Nov. 2, completed its review of the federal process and has unanimously concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for youth 5 to 11 years of age. The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the Governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington Nov. 2.

On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA authorized the use of the vaccine in 5- to 11-year-olds, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirmed that decision on Nov. 2. The Workgroup has reviewed and affirmed the federal decisions. ​​

The Workgroup thoroughly reviewed safety data for the vaccine, including the absence of any severe adverse events among vaccine recipients in the clinical trial. Reactions were mild and similar to those seen in adolescents and adults and with other vaccines routinely recommended for children and were less common at ages 5 to 11 years than at 16 to 25 years.

Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup last year. The Workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.

Los Angeles County Begins Administering Pfizer Vaccine to Children 5 to 11

Los Angeles County vaccine providers are now administering Pfizer vaccine to children 5 to 11 years old after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle P. Walensky affirmed the recommendation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to expand the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
In L.A. County, an estimated 900,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11 are newly eligible for vaccinations.
All Public Health sites began offering Pfizer for children 5 to 11 years old as of this morning along with many pharmacies and clinics. Some sites require appointments; walk-ins are welcome at the Public Health sites. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult and have a signed consent form.
Parents are able to make an appointment using the County website at VaccinateLACounty.com and will be able to make an appointment using MyTurn.CA.gov later today or tomorrow. Many pharmacies and clinics countywide are also accepting appointments through their own systems. Parents are encouraged to call the site ahead of time to verify that they are vaccinating children.
A network of nearly 900 providers countywide will offer vaccines to children between the ages of 5 and 11 and this month, vaccines will be offered at 480 school-based events with a focus on schools in high-need areas. County mobile vaccination teams will supplement vaccinations offered by existing providers so that children have easy access to our most powerful protection from COVID-19.
Anyone five years and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.
Details: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.