COVID-19 Boosters Approved by CDC for Ages 12-15

The Centers for Disease Control has approved a single third-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12-15. Additionally, consistent with our prior recommendation for adults, CDC is recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised 5–11-year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-11.

Ochsner Hospital for Children will begin to administer Pfizer COVID-19 boosters immediately.

As COVID-19 is continuously evolving, creating strains such as Delta and Omicron, the FDA has been quickly adapting to the ever-changing virus and making informed, science-backed decisions to keep people safe.

Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, MD, stated, “With the current wave of the Omicron variant, it’s critical that we continue to take effective, life-saving preventative measures, such as primary vaccination and boosters, mask-wearing and social distancing in order to effectively fight COVID-19.”

Pfizer booster authorized for children ages 12-15

The Pfizer vaccine and booster are safe for children ages 12-15 and recommended, as the potential side effects far outweigh the risk of hospitalization or death after contracting COVID-19.

Ochsner Hospital for Children will begin to distribute Pfizer COVID-19 boosters to eligible children and will continue to monitor the news for additional information regarding COVID-19 and kids. The Pfizer booster already has been approved for ages 16 and up.

Pfizer third-dose authorized for immunocompromised children ages 5-11

Children ages 5-11 who have undergone organ transplants, or who have been diagnosed with health conditions that would classify them as immunocompromised, have been authorized by the FDA and approved by the CDC to receive a third single-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for maximum protection against COVID-19. The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is safe for children ages 5-11.

Ochsner Hospital for Children will begin to distribute the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to eligible children.

Children ages 5-11 who are not immunocompromised who have completed their initial Pfizer vaccine series do not need a third dose at this time, however barring news from the FDA, CDC and LDH, Ochsner Hospital for Children will communicate the latest messaging with our community as soon as we have information to share.

To find a vaccination site in your area, please visit www.ochsner.org/vaccineinfo. Appointments can be made through MyOchsner or by calling 844-888-2772.