According to WTOP, Montgomery County officials have outlined a plan to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 years old and younger pending the vaccine’s approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is estimated that the vaccine could be approved for children between 5 and 12 years old as early as late fall, meaning 58,000 to 65,000 children in the county would be eligible to receive the vaccine.
WTOP reports:
“We’re looking at establishing hubs — that’s the current plan,” said [Acting Chief Health Officer for Montgomery County Dr. James] Bridgers, describing how schools and community facilities would be used for distribution. “Of course we need to have follow-up conversations with [Montgomery County Public Schools]” to identify schools that would be accessible for as many parents as possible. Bridgers said vaccines would be made available after school and on the weekends at selected sites.
Montgomery officials believe vaccine hesitancy could prove to be an obstacle to vaccinating children. In response, Montgomery County Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz said, “I for one, will be among the first in line and my kids are excited and thrilled to be able to receive the vaccination.”
