Sedgwick County’s health director said it’s “great news” that Pfizer has reported that its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11.  The vaccine makes said Monday it plans to ask for authorization for this age group soon in the U.S.

Sedgwick County Health Director Adrienne Byrne told reporters that the vaccine should be approved by the end of the year.  She said the health department has been working to get more staff to help with booster shots, which are waiting for approval by the Food and Drug Administration for people 65 and older and people at high risk for COVID-19.  Byrne said those staff members will be on hand whenever the vaccine is authorized for young children.

Byrne said any contract employees who do not have experience vaccinating children will be trained so they can be ready to help when the COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children ages 5 through 11.

Byrne said the health department will look for guidance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control in providing the vaccine to younger children.