Under-5 COVID shots available in Massachusetts this week

BOSTON (WLNE) —  COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 from the federal government will be available in Massachusetts starting Tuesday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization for both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines Friday for children down to six months. Those vaccines will be two doses for Moderna and three doses for Pfizer.

Doses will be administered one month apart for Moderna. For Pfizer, the first two given three weeks apart and a third eight weeks later.

The FDA said tests showed the immune response of children between six months and 5-years-old was comparable to the immune response of adults. Roughly 18 million kids will now be eligible for the vaccine.

There has been hesitancy by parents since children ages 5-11 were authorized — with less than 35% receiving the shots.

To parents who may be questioning getting their children vaccinated, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said, “Look at the evidence, look at the data. And talk to the doctor that takes care of your child. Talk to the pediatrician. Talk to the family physician.”

States have been able to pre-order doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines ahead of the FDA’s emergency authorization, and they will become available across the country starting this week.