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The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup is giving the thumbs up to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine for kids ages five to eleven.
This after both the FDA and CDC gave their approval in recent days. Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California's COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup last year to provide another layer of review for COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process. Though the vaccines carry some risk for children, their benefits are greater, concluded the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, made up of vaccine and immune system experts from universities and medical schools across the country.
"We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine," a Tuesday release quotes CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. "As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated."
Parents who have concerns about the shots should speak with their pediatrician, CDC and committee members said.