The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) is planning to inoculate children aged 5 to 11 years old against Covid-19.
It has pre-ordered 2,700 doses of pediatric Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, in anticipation of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approving the vaccine for use among this age group.
Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the Northern Marianas Photo: Mark Rabago
US health officials are already predicting that CDC approval of the pediatric Covid vaccine may come as early as the first half of November.
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation's chief executive officer, Esther Muña, said vaccines being made available to children aged 5 to 11 would boost the CNMI's vaccination numbers.
She admitted that children being ineligible to receive Covid vaccines had been a concern in regards to the spread of the virus.
The 2,700 pre-ordered pediatric doses of Pfizer's vaccine will come with ancillary supply kits such as needles, syringes, and other personal protective equipment for clinical staff to safely administer the vaccines.
In related news, the CNMI will now be offering booster shots for both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Covid-19 vaccines.
The booster shots are being offered under the guidance from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.
The Moderna booster shots are being offered to the following individuals at least six months after their initial series: 65 years and older; 18 years and older who have underlying medical conditions; and 18 years and older who work or live in high-risk settings.
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine booster shots are also available to individuals aged 18 or older, at least two months after their initial shot.