NYC Schools to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines on Site for Young Children Next Week

Pfizer/BioNTech's new pediatric COVID-19 vaccine vials are seen in this undated handout photo. Pfizer via Reuters

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday morning that the city’s public schools will start administering COVID-19 vaccines for 5- to 11-year-old students next week.

The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine, which received endorsement from the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will be available at all schools serving students age 5 to 11 during school hours starting Nov. 8, de Blasio said at a press conference.

“We’re going to have in each of our schools that has kids in that 5- to 11-year-old range, we’re going to have a day for each school when vaccination is provided at the school building itself,” the outgoing mayor said, adding that parents will receive “a lot of notice” reminding them about the opportunity to get their children vaccinated at their local school sites.

Schools will make sure that children are either accompanied by a parent or guardian, or have written or verbal consent for the vaccination, de Blasio said.

De Blasio also acknowledged that some parents may prefer going to their child’s doctor or a city-run vaccination cite, which will start giving the shots on Thursday.

“All choices are good choices, but we want to make it available and easy for parents who prefer just to go to their local school building,” he said.

The announcement comes just hours after CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommended children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated with Pfizer’s vaccine.

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against the virus that causes COVID-19,” Walensky said in a statement, referring to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. “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.”

Prior to the official CDC endorsement, the White house had already begun distribution of the pediatric vaccine. The Biden administration said last month it has bought enough doses for all 28 million 5- to 11-year-olds in the United States, and will provide it in smaller packages with smaller needles to make it easier for physicians and pediatricians to administer to children.

“Starting the week of Nov. 8, the kids vaccination program will be fully up and running,” White House COVID-19 response team coordinator Jeff Zients said Monday. “Parents will be able to schedule appointments at convenient sites they know and trust to get their kids vaccinated.”