The Food and Drug Administration has voted unanimously, 21-0, in recommending the COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest and only age group barred from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Following the much awaited decision, here is some key information every parent and childcare provider should know about the coming vaccinations for young children.

How soon will the vaccination for young children begin?

Vaccinations for children younger than 5 years old could begin as soon as Tuesday, June 21, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.

How many shots do young children need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

Moderna and Pfizer, the leading COVID vaccine manufacturers, have different vaccination schedules for young children.
For Moderna, there will be 2 shots four weeks apart for infants as young as 6 months to 5-year olds.

For Pfizer, there will be 3 shots for infants 6-months to 4-year olds.
The first 2 shots are given three weeks apart. The third dose will be given 8 weeks after the second shot.

As for five-year-olds, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has already previously been approved for them. Five-year olds are given 2 doses three weeks apart.