WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Pfizer is one step closer to getting its vaccine approved for ages five to 11, which is something local health officials have been waiting for.
"Once I hear from the FDA that it has full approval for this emergency use authorization, I'm going to be beside myself with joy," said Amy Seery, an Ascension Via Christi pediatrician.
The company released data Monday morning showing the two smaller doses provided to kids ages five to 11 are safe and effective.
"Being able to vaccinate 5 to 11 years old will be wonderful because the more people that we have vaccinated, the better we are going to be able to fight COVID and slow down the spread," said Adrienne Byrne, the Sedgwick County Health Department director.
Seery said now is the time for families with questions about the vaccine to talk to their doctor and get answers.
"Putting it off or just deciding wait and see is a form of a decision and it is one that we have already seen has led to lots of regret for kids 12 and above who are eligible for the vaccine who end up in the hospital seeing me," she said.
Byrne is hoping to partner with local schools if the emergency authorization use is approved to help distribute the vaccine to students just like they have done at various high schools.