NH Lays Groundwork for Kids Age 5-11 to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

The administration of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for children age 5 to 11 could begin within the next week, according to Gov. Chris Sununu.

The governor during his COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday said once the CDC gives the green light for the state will be ready with a campaign encouraging parents and guardians to take their kids to one of eight chains.

"Obviously opening up availability to more age groups for the vaccine is another big step for us in making sure our communities are protected and making sure parents and kids if it is their choice to get the vaccine that it is available to them," Sununu said. "It is the most powerful tool we have in the toolbox to manage the COVID pandemic."

An FDA advisory committee voted to authorize emergency use by a unanimous 17-0 vote with one abstention.

The state has pre-ordered 15,000 children's doses which will be available to providers once the CDC approves its use.  Pharmacies are getting their supply directly from Pfizer, according to Sununu.

CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Osco, Hannaford, Walmart and Sam's Club will all have the the vaccine available.

The state has created a new website, vaccines.nh.gov, for parents to locate places to get the vaccination.

Sununu said he was happy the Executive Council at its meeting on Wednesday approved $4.7 million in federal funds which will be used to help run COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

No Financial Incentives to Take The Shot

Sununu has always been against offering prizes, lotteries or cash to get people to take the COVOD shot and that has not changed at the children's doses are available.

"I've always said that I don't think it's appropriate to mix financial incentives with personal healthcare decisions," Sununu said.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ