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COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 5-11 Nears Oregon Approval

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is moving swiftly through the federal and state approval process. It was granted emergency use authorization by the FDA last Friday for ages five to 11. Today the CDC gave it their blessing. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will review it tonight, and if all goes well, Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority could give providers the go-ahead as early as tomorrow.

Metropolitan Pediatrics does not have the vaccine yet. It’s dosed and packaged differently than the product we use for adolescents, so we’re waiting on vials measured for kid-size doses. Our vaccine shipment ETA is between tomorrow and next Wednesday. Once we receive shipping confirmation, we’ll open appointments. We expect to be ready to schedule by early next week. Keep checking our website for the latest news on the vaccine’s arrival in our clinics.

While Metropolitan Pediatrics is not planning vaccine clinics this weekend, there may be some places to get your kiddos vaccinated this Saturday or Sunday. Check Get Vaccinated Oregon’s vaccine finder tool for locations near you. As soon as the governor signs off, we heard that OHA will add an age filter to the search, so you can easily find vaccine providers for the younger crowd.

Like you, we can’t wait for the vaccine to get here! We’re excited to help your family get protected and ready to gather with loved ones this holiday season.

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For vaccine-specific questions and answers, please see our COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ.