State health department to begin offering omicron vaccines to children as young as 5 following CDC approval

COLORADO (KRDO) -- Children as young as five-years-old will soon be able to get the reformulated COVID-19 omicron vaccine in Colorado.

Wednesday, the CDC approved the use of Pfizer’s omicron dose for people aged five years and older and Moderna’s omicron dose for people aged 6 years and older. Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration also amended the emergency use authorization for both vaccines.

According to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), children five years and older are recommended to receive one omicron dose at least two months after their most recent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The department also said vaccine recipients can mix brands from the primary series. For example, a child who completed a Moderna primary series can receive a Pfizer updated booster.

To learn more from the state about the omicron vaccine, visit covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.

The CDPHE said children in this age group can start getting the omicron vaccine immediately, although there will be more availability later this week and early next week.

Coloradans can find vaccines at providers across the state, including 10 community vaccination sites, local public health clinics, primary care offices, mobile vaccine clinics, and many pharmacies.

For the latest state information on COVID-19, visit covid19.colorado.gov.