Onondaga County is preparing to vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds, after the Food and Drug Administration recently concluded that benefits of the Pfizer vaccine outweigh the risks in the age group. County Executive Ryan McMahon says they’ll likely have clinics at the OnCenter and at schools in the area. However, children will need to have a parent or guardian present when receiving the vaccine.
“So authorization isn’t enough,” said McMahon. “So we’re going to be working to do clinics later in the day to meet the schedules so that parents can get their little ones vaccinate.”
McMahon said the county will also work with pediatric groups to distribute the vaccine. He expects about 30% to 40% of 5 to 11 year-olds to get a vaccine right away.
A panel of expert advisors to the FDA will meet Tuesday, and an analysis by the agency is expected later this week.
Meanwhile, coronavirus booster shots are currently available for eligible populations. The county will host two clinics this week.
Thursday there will bea Moderna booster clinic and Friday there will be a Pfizer booster clinic. Pre-registration is required and can be done on the county’s website.