Gov. Walz announces plan to vaccinate 5-11-year-olds following FDA recommendation

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Tuesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced plans to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 after the U.S. FDA committee voted to recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children in that age group.

Walz shared the state has built a strong network of providers such as pharmacies, clinics, tribal health agencies, and school clinics that can start vaccinating eligible children once the final eligibility recommendations are issued by the federal government next week.

In a statement, Gov. Walz said, “The state is prepared for this critical moment in the battle against COVID-19. Our goal is to ensure that the vaccine is widely, equitably, and efficiently available to all children ages 5-11. We’ll be ready to do our part when the federal government gives us the green light, and I encourage parents to get their children vaccinated when the shots are ready.”

The Walz-Flanagan administration has mobilized a network of more than 1,100 providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5-11.

The state is waiting for the FDA’s official authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for use in this age group, as well as recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. (ACIP)

The ACIP plans to meet anytime from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3.