DeKALB- The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is pushing to make vaccines available to children from 6 months to 4 years old. According to a press release posted on the IDPH website, data submitted earlier this week from Pfizer-BioNTech asked to amend the emergency use authorization (EUA) to allow children younger than 5 years to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Over 2,280 pediatric providers have already enlisted to administer the vaccine.

The request to allow the first two doses of the vaccine and any further needed booster still would need to be approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said that she’s looking forward to the availability of the vaccine for younger children. 

“We have many tools to slow and control the spread of COVID-19, the best of all being vaccines,” Ezike said. “As we move towards coexisting with COVID-19, it is important that we are able to offer as much protection from COVID-19-related hospitalizations for all ages.” 

Children from the age of 6 months to 4 years would be receiving a smaller dose (3ug) compared to children 5 years and older. The timetable for the vaccine however still remains the same for all ages, as a series of two doses spread three weeks apart. 

 To make it easier for residents to receive their vaccines, Illinois has established more than 7,350 mobile vaccination clinics located at churches, senior centers, and schools across the state. The state continues to provide outreach to get out information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccination.

To find a vaccination center near you, visit Vaccines.gov to find vaccination sites near you.