More Children Are Being Protected from Severe COVID-19

Following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendation to make 5-11-year-old children eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, Health Secretary Xavier Becerra issued this statement on November 2, 2021.

"This is another major milestone in our efforts to protect more children, their families, and our communities as we work to end the pandemic."

"We are following the data and science."

"As we deliver millions of doses nationwide, we are working with states, localities, pediatricians' offices, children's hospitals, pharmacies, and other trusted health care providers for families to ensure equitable access to the vaccine for our nation's kids."

"Looking toward winter and the holiday season, we have another significant opportunity to get ahead of this pandemic and protect kids ages 5-11 from what has become a cause of death in this age group."

As of November 3, 2021, there have been 576 deaths attributed to severe COVID-19 (vaccination and comorbidity status undisclosed) in people under 18 since January 2020.

Additionally, the CDC reported 148 deaths involving COVID-19 and pneumonia and 1,069 deaths from pneumonia alone.

"We know many families are trying to decide what is right for them, and we encourage anyone seeking additional information to talk to a doctor or health care provider to get the facts."

"COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and those you love from COVID-19, and the Administration will continue working every day to get as many people vaccinated and protected from COVID-19 as possible," concluded Sec. Becerra.