Federal regulators gave the green light to give coronavirus vaccines to children as young as 6 months. Doctors and public health officials are rolling out the new shots this week.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave emergency approval for children 6 months to 5 years old to get vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine involves a three-shot series and Moderna’s vaccine requires two doses.

“Many parents and families have been eagerly awaiting a vaccine to protect our youngest North Carolinians,” said Kody Kinsley, secretary for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “These vaccines are the best way to protect children from COVID-19 — they are safe, effective and free.”

What You Need To Know

  • The FDA and CDC gave emergency approval to give COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 5 years old

  • The pediatric doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines began arriving in North Carolina this week

  • The vaccines were subject to trials and scientists with the FDA and CDC found them to be safe and effective

  • The vaccines are available through pediatricians and, for children 3 and up, at pharmacies and grocery stores

Pfizer said research shows its three-dose vaccine is about 80% effective in children under 5. The two-shot Moderna vaccine is less effective, the company reported. Moderna's efficacy was about 44% for children 6 months to 2 years and about 38% for kids 2 to 5, according to the company.

The first shipments of the vaccine for younger children began arriving in North Carolina this week. Children under 3 have to get the shots at their doctor’s office, but kids 3 to 5 years old can go to their doctor or a pharmacy.

The new approval opens up COVID vaccines for almost 20 million children under 5, according to the CDC.

“We know that vaccines are the greatest protection against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. To be able to offer that protection to younger children is very exciting,” said New Hanover County Pandemic Operations Manager Jonathan Campbell.

“This age group has a harder time properly utilizing preventative measures, such as wearing face coverings, and often have greater risk for exposure in daycare, school or summer camp settings, so this is an important measure to keep them safe from the risks of COVID-19,” Campbell said.

Regulators already approved vaccines for children 6 and older. COVID-19 vaccines are free, but the dosage size changes depending on the age group.

About 62% of people in North Carolina are fully vaccinated, according to DHHS data. About 56% have had at least one booster shot, DHHS data shows.

Children can get the COVID-19 shot along with other vaccines on the same day. The side effects for children are similar to those seen in older kids and adults: “a sore arm, headache and being tired or achy for a day or two,” according to DHHS.

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

“I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated,” Walensky said.

Both vaccine options for younger children went through clinical trials and were reviewed by the scientific committees at the CDC and FDA.

“Children under 5 had the highest rate of hospitalizations compared to other pediatric groups. COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalization, death, MIS-C (inflammation in different parts of the body) and long-term problems with symptoms that last for months,” according to DHHS.

“Vaccines will help reduce infections and transmission, bringing all North Carolinians closer to fewer family disruptions ahead of the summer months and school year,” DHHS said in a statement.