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Pelosi Statement on FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of First COVID Vaccine for Children 5-11

October 29, 2021

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement after the FDA granted emergency use authorization to the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11:

"Today is a momentous day in the fight against the COVID pandemic, with the FDA's first emergency use authorization of a coronavirus vaccine for younger children. Thanks to Democrats' leadership with the American Rescue Plan, and President Biden's forward-thinking actions last week, families in every community across the country will have free and convenient access to the vaccine for their children.

"Congress and the country are grateful to our scientists and health officials, who worked quickly and carefully to ensure that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for our youngest Americans. Getting our children vaccinated is the best way to ensure their health and safety, so they can go to school, spend time with their families and engage in our communities with the confidence of knowing they are protected from this vicious virus.

"It is heartbreaking that more than a thousand Americans lose their lives to this virus each day, nearly all of whom were unvaccinated. It is now crucial that every eligible American – especially children ages five to eleven – get vaccinated as quickly as possible, so that we can finally put an end to this pandemic."

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