The FDA authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 - 11 years

United States Forces Korea (USFK) has started inoculating children within its affiliated community with the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine across three USFK medical treatment facilities, the USFK said on Nov. 17.

The three locations administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at United States Army Garrison - Humphreys, the Wood Patient Centered Medical Home - Camp Walker Clinic (USAG - Daegu) and 51st Medical Group at Osan Air Base.

Will Henjum (middle), a 7-year old boy, receives the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 17, 2021 at the Camp Humphreys COVID-19 Vaccination Center.
Will Henjum (middle), a 7-year old boy, receives the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 17, 2021 at the Camp Humphreys COVID-19 Vaccination Center.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine under an emergency use authorization for children aged 5 - 11 years on Oct. 29 following Pfizer’s rigorous three-phased clinical trial that demonstrated the vaccine to be safe and effective for use.

Under an emergency use authorization, the vaccine is 100% voluntary and not mandatory.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea on Nov. 15 at Incheon Airport, and after clearing customs, was ground delivered to the United States Army Medical Material Center Korea at Camp Carroll the same day. It was then ground delivered to the three medical treatment facilities at Humphreys, Camp Walker and Osan for use beginning on Nov. 17.

Children aged 5 - 11 years received an initial pediatric dose that is one-third of the adult dose and given with smaller needles specifically designed for children.

Similar to the Pfizer’s adult dose for those aged 12 and older, children will be administered a second dose three weeks after their first shot, and will be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second shot.

While the vaccine is not mandatory for family members, USFK strongly encourages all eligible individuals to get vaccinated to help protect themselves, their family and our community.

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