November 3, 2021 10:50 a.m. 

COVID-19 vaccinations can begin for 5-to-11-year old children in Oregon effective immediately.

A release from Governor Kate Brown’s office said the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup completed its review of the federal process on Tuesday night and concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for youth in that age group. The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the Governors of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington Wednesday morning.

The Oregon Health Authority is informing health care providers of the decision.

Last Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of the vaccine in 5-to-11-year-olds, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirmed that decision on Tuesday.

The release said the Workgroup thoroughly reviewed safety data for the vaccine, including the absence of any severe adverse events among vaccine recipients in the clinical trial. Reactions were mild and similar to those seen in adolescents and adults and with other vaccines routinely recommended for children and were less common at ages 5-11 years than at 16-25 years.

Governor Brown said, “This is great news for Oregon children, parents, and families. Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect themselves and our loved ones. With today’s review by leading doctors, pediatricians and health experts, Oregon parents and children can be confident in the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 5-to-11-year-olds”. Brown said it is completely normal for parents and kids to have questions about vaccines. She urged those with questions to reach out to their family doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist.