by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)
When federal regulators green-light the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said doses formulated for the age group will be “immediately available” through Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) units scattered around the state.
A panel advising the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to vote Tuesday (Nov. 2) to authorize the reduced Pfizer dose for the age group. Following that vote, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky could immediately approve emergency use authorization. If she does, it would mean vaccines are available for all U.S. citizens age 5 and older. Pfizer data on vaccine testing in the age group indicates it is almost 91% effective against symptomatic illness.
Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero estimated there are about 271,000 Arkansans – roughly 9% of the state’s population – in the 5-11 age group, and the state will have 110,000 doses available for the “first wave.” He said the initial doses should be “more than enough” for the initial demand.
