CDC issues additional planning guidance for pediatric COVID-19 vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday released an operational planning guide for pediatric COVID-19 vaccination and preliminary information on the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to authorize emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5-11, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. The new planning documents expand on an initial CDC document released this week on packaging changes and storage requirements for the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. The new planning guide includes additional information about the rollout of the pediatric vaccine; projected launch plan considerations for jurisdictions; and a readiness checklist for supply and ordering, provider network adequacy, information technology systems for reporting and monitoring, and communications.