The CDC has signed off on the recommendation that children over the age of 6 months old receive a COVID-19 vaccine, stressing that children who have already had a COVID-19 infection will have added protection when also getting vaccinated. The recommendation followed the Food and Drug Administration authorization of two long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines for children under the age of 5 years old. 

The two vaccines include the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 months to 4 years old and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 months to 17 years old. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is given in a three shot primary series while the Moderna vaccine has a two dose primary series (with a third primary dose for children who are immunocompromised).

The new CDC recommendation for children can be found here.  More information on the newly authorized vaccines can be found in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Down to 6 Months of Age.

Dentists who received payments from HRSA’s Provider Relief Fund between January 1, 20212 to June 30, 2021 have just over a month left to put them to use on expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re wondering where the funds can be used, visit the Allowable Expenses fact sheet on the HRSA website. Directions for PRF fund reporting and auditing can also be found here - and for an up-to-date FAQ on PRF reporting, visit Reporting and Auditing Frequently Asked Questions.

On Thursday, May 19th, the Centers for Disease Control released a statement recommending booster shots for the age group 5-11 years to extend protection by the COVID-19 vaccine against coronavirus. This followed a recent emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots. With the official recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the booster dose can be sought five months following the 2-shot vaccine series. The media statement, "CDC Strengthens Recommendations and Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots", can be found here. For more details on COVID-19 vaccines for all age groups, visit “COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens" and  “Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines”. Visit AAPD COVID-19 Resources for the latest information on COVID-19 that impacts pediatric dental practice.

Originally posted May 18, 2022.