BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Children's Hospital said it is now accepting Covid-19 vaccine appointments for children ages 12 and older.
It comes after the FDA approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use in the younger age group (12 to 15 years old). The vaccine was previously only approved for those ages 16 and older.
Health experts say although most children have mild symptoms when they contract the virus -- they can still infect adults in their families -- as well as people outside the home.
Shots can start being administered as soon as a CDC Advisory Committee backs the emergency authorization and issues a formal recommendation, expected Wednesday.
As the state awaits federal approval, the Covid-19 Command Center said it is actively preparing for the vaccination rollout for the soon-to-be newly eligible age group.
Boston Children's Hospital has also provided a link on it's website for parents to be able to start booking their child's Covid-19 vaccine appointment.
The next drug-maker to get emergency approval to administer it's Covid-19 vaccine to younger age groups could be Cambridge-based Moderna.
The company said earlier this month that early data shows it's vaccine is 96 percent effective in people ages 12 to 17 with no serious side effects reported.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Getty Images)