California can now vaccinate children ages 5 to 11

California is now able to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 after the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup signed off on Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for children Tuesday night.

The work group, a regional collaborative group of scientists from California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, reviewed the federal process and unanimously concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for children ages 5 to 11. The group’s approval was the final step needed to begin administering the vaccine for children of that age group. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control signed off on Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

“I urge families to get the facts on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and take action to protect themselves and loved ones from Covid-19, especially as we head into the winter months,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

Counties throughout the state have been stocking the vaccine in anticipation of the work group’s approval, and vaccine clinics will open at school campuses, pharmacies and health centers.