Almost 1 in 10 eligible U.S. children ages 5-11 have received a first shot of the Pfizer COVID vaccine since it was approved for that age group two weeks ago, the White House said Wednesday.
Of the 2.6 million doses put into kids’ arms so far, 1.7 million were administered in the last week alone, which is about twice as many in the first week, according to White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients.
The number of locations where pediatric jabs are offered increased from 20,000 last week to 30,000 this week, and the Biden administration expects the pace of vaccinations to increase in the coming days.
Youngsters who get their first shot by the end of the week and their second one three weeks after the first will be fully vaccinated by Christmas, the AP reports.
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Data from states reveal varying rates of vaccination among children ages 5-11. While about 11% to 12% have received their first dose in Colorado, Utah and Illinois, rates are much lower in Idaho (5%), Tennessee (5%) and Wyoming (4%).
Meanwhile, singer Ciara joined first lady Jill Biden and pediatrician Dr. Hina Talib at the White House Wednesday. She was accompanied by her three children (daughter Sienna Princess, 4, and sons Future Zahir, 7, and Win Harrison, 1) to discuss the importance of vaccinations for 5- to 11-year-olds.
“She has been eager to engage around vaccinations and particularly interested in promoting children vaccinations,” a White House official shares about the “Level Up” singer.
“From the White House perspective, we are always looking for trusted messengers who we know from polling are the best people to