FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 24, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT
Logan Anderson, Vaccinate Virginia, logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov
Statement from Virginia State Vaccination Coordinator Christy Gray on the Recommendation of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for Children, Adolescents Ages 6 Years Through 17 Years
(RICHMOND, Va.) — Virginia parents and guardians of older children and adolescents now have a second choice of a COVID-19 vaccine.
On June 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave its approval to a recommendation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children and adolescents aged 6 years through 17 years. That approval came after the CDC’s independent panel of experts, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommended the administration of the vaccine on June 23, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) granting of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on June 17.
The Moderna vaccine for children aged 6–11 years of age is half the adult dose; for older children and adolescents aged 12–17 years of age, the dose is the same as for adults aged 18 years and older.The vaccines for these age groups are two-dose series administered at least 28 days apart. Previously, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was approved for use in children and adolescents aged 5–17 years.
Observed side effects mirror those seen in recipients of the Moderna vaccine for persons aged 18 years and older: redness or soreness at the injection site, fever and headache. They were mild to moderate and usually abated within a few days.
The following is a statement from Virginia’s State Vaccination Coordinator and Director of the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Immunization Christy Gray, MPH:
“The Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children and adolescents aged 6–11 years and 12–17 years are available immediately, as existing Moderna products can be used to vaccinate these age groups. VDH is coordinating with the CDC on the distribution of these Moderna vaccines.
“We want to make sure that parents understand these are actually two vaccines: one for children aged 6–11 years that is half the adult dose, and another for older children and adolescents aged 12–17 years that’s the same size as the dose for adults 18 years and older.
“With the approval of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for these age groups, there are now two choices for parents. Both the Moderna and previously approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are safe and effective, and we urge parents to consult with their pediatrician, family doctor or other healthcare provider to determine which would be more appropriate for your child or teen.”
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Those who are unvaccinated and without a booster remain at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. This population remains VDH’s top priority. Everyone 6 months or older is recommended to be vaccinated. To find free vaccination opportunities near you, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.
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