One in 10 children received first COVID shot in last two weeks: White House
- 1.7 million inoculations were recorded in the last week
- Pfizer's COVID-19 shot for kids aged between 5 and 11 was approved by health regulators
- The vaccination rate is over three times more than the adult vaccination rate
The United States has recorded a vaccination rate of 10% amongst kids who are eligible to get their first dose against COVID-19 in just two weeks of the rollout, the White House announced on Wednesday. Health regulators approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 shot for kids aged between 5 and 11.
The number, which makes up 2.6 million kids, was boosted increased multifold in the second week of vaccination, recording nearly 1.7 million inoculations, according to reports from Associated Press citing Jeff Zients, White House’s COVID-19 coordinator.
The vaccination rate is over three times more than the adult vaccination rate, which was recorded nearly 11 months ago when the first COVID vaccine doses were offered.
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The White House official said that the United States had added about 10,000 locations — clinics and vaccination sites– in the last week and that the number is expected to spike even more to increase the pace of pediatric shots.
Children who will receive their first COVID vaccine dose by the end of this week are expected to be fully vaccinated by Christmas, assuming the cycle is completed in the recommended time.
The White House was stepping up its efforts to promote kid vaccination, with first lady Jill Biden hosting an event Wednesday with the singer Ciara, according to reports from Associated Press.
In a statement released on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after the pediatric approval, the health agency clarified that the effectiveness of the vaccine in children aged between 5 and 12 was recorded at 91%, similar to the results of previously conducted adult trials.
The statement read, “Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years.”
So far, only the Pfizer COVID vaccine has been approved for administration in children.
(With AP inputs)
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