PENNSYLVANIA—This week, thanks to President Biden’s leadership, the United States reached a turning point in our battle against COVID-19 as the FDA authorized the emergency use of a safe, effective vaccine for children ages 5-11. This eagerly awaited authorization will further protect children and families from the spread of COVID-19 and ensure children can safely attend school. The Biden-Harris administration’s successful vaccination efforts have now helped 80% of adults in the United States receive one shot of the vaccine and nearly 70% of adults become fully vaccinated.
In response, Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Nancy Patton Mills released the following statement.
“President Biden has delivered yet again for Pennsylvania families. With the news that young children are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their kids will be protected as we move closer to beating the pandemic once and for all. From day one, President Biden has led our country through this pandemic by leading with science, facts, and compassion, and this exciting announcement is no different. From signing the American Rescue Plan into law, which provided funding to get vaccines in millions of Americans’ arms, to ensuring enough vaccine supply for every child in America, President Biden continues to deliver, and people across Pennsylvania are grateful.”
Background on vaccines for young children:
- The Biden administration has already secured enough vaccine supply for every child in America ages 5 through 11.
- As President Biden said yesterday, starting now and ramping up into next week, doses will be available at approximately 20,000 locations around the country, and parents and guardians will be able to schedule appointments to get their kids their first shots.
- These include places that parents and guardians know and trust: local pharmacies, pediatricians and family doctors, and children’s hospitals.
- Many vaccination sites will offer times on nights and weekends so parents can take their children to get vaccinated after work and school.
- The White House is also making vaccines available at hundreds of community health centers, rural health clinics, and thousands of pharmacies and schools in our hardest hit communities.
- And, the White House is sending out mobile units to reach people where they are.
- These efforts will also ensure that equity is at the center of our children’s vaccination program — as it has been with the administration’s program for adults.
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