On January 3 the Food and Drug Administration cleared the Covid-19 booster shot for children ages 12 to 17. With the new omicron variant spreading among younger people, they decided it would be a perfect time for young teens to get vaccinated.

The CDC recommended that 5-11-year old’s who are immune-compromised those who have had organ transplants, receive an extra dose of Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second shot. Only the Pfizer Covid vaccine is authorized for 5-11-year old’s.

“I am going to get my daughter vaccinated soon now that she can. I think it is a good thing that the younger children will be able to get the Covid-19 booster dose, especially with the new variant going around” Lexly Bledsoe said.

Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other variants. It has been reviewed and it is proven that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-17.

“It is critical that we protect our children and teens from COVID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease” CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky said.

As of October 2021, children ages 5 through 11 years have experienced more than 8,300 COVID-19 related hospitalizations and more than 100 deaths from COVID-19. COVID-19 is one of the top 10 causes of death for children ages 5 through 11 years.

“It’s sad that so many people are dying from covid, but they should definitely get the vaccine for younger people if it will help,” senior Eduardo Gallegos said.