The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster for children ages 5-11 years old.

Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Michael Mendoza says the best thing to do is call your child's doctor to see if it's the right time to get the booster and schedule an appointment.

The booster should be given to children ages 5-11 at least five months after completing the initial series of shots.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in the announcement that kids tend to have less severe symptoms with COVID-19, but more kids being hospitalized with omicron and long-term effects has caused concern.

Dr. Mendoza says COVID-19 cases are trending back downwards again, and kids getting vaccinated and boosted should continue that trend.

"The benefit of the first booster is actually quite significant," Mendoza said. "Unlike the second booster that's out there for adults where there is a little bit more of a complication with regard to timing, that first booster for 5 to 11-year-olds is really very important.

Dr. Menoza is advising people to remain cautious this time of year when big outdoor gatherings are happening. Wear a mask if that makes you feel more comfortable and be aware of who you're around.