COVID Vaccination for Kids Initiative Media Talking Points

Vaccinating patient populations within children's hospitals

With the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., children’s hospitals are working to prioritize and vaccinate children receiving treatment in their children’s hospitals. As routine providers of specialty care, children’s hospitals are ensuring children with complex and chronic medical conditions have the opportunity to receive vaccinations.

Supporting local community efforts for vaccination of children

Children’s hospitals are working diligently with other health care providers and federal, state, and local officials on vaccination initiatives in their communities.

Staying safe

• We follow the recommendations and authorizations of both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who have found that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective in children ages 5 years and up.
• The decision by CDC to recommend child vaccinations is important to getting kids as “back to normal” as possible.
• Any concerns that parents and families might have about the vaccine should be discussed with their pediatrician or trusted health care provider.
• Vaccinations, along with masking and social distancing, are a critical part of confronting and containing the COVID-19 pandemic.