Thread by @celinegounder

1/ Good news today for many parents!

Pfizer is applying for FDA authorization of 2 doses of its COVID vaccine in kids aged 6 months to 5 years.

The COVID vaccine is SAFE in all kids 6 months to 5 years.

Kids 2-5 years may need a 3rd dose.

with @MSNBC's @KatyTurNBC

2/ We need to wait & see whether a THIRD dose is needed to provide enough protection in kids 2-5 years of age.

But in the meantime, there's no real downside to getting kids under 5 started on their first two COVID shots. They're safe.

3/ Parents' worries about safety seem to be driving low vaccination rates in kids 5-11, who've been eligible for COVID vaccination since November.

Here are findings from @KFF's latest Vaccine Monitor poll:
kff.org/coronavirus-co…

4/ More & more kids 12-17 have gotten their COVID vaccines.

61% have gotten at least one dose.

The proportion of parents reporting their 12-17-year-old definitely will NOT get vaccinated remains fairly stable at over 20%.

kff.org/coronavirus-co…

5/ Vaccination rates are slowly climbing in the 5-11 age group.

33% have gotten at least one dose of COVID vaccine.

The proportion of parents reporting their 5-11-year-old definitely will NOT get vaccinated remains fairly stable at ~25%.

kff.org/coronavirus-co…

6/ An increasing proportion of parents with kids under 5 say they'll get their child vaccinated as soon as the COVID vaccine is authorized for them.

My 2 1/2-year-old niece Adele is in this group.

kff.org/coronavirus-co…

7/ Parents who're more worried COVID vaccines might get their kids sick are:
Lower income
Black/Hispanic
Unvaccinated

Would paid sick & family medical leave – i.e. knowing vaccine-related side-effects won't hurt your income – help address these concerns?

kff.org/coronavirus-co…