Young Kids Are Now Vaccine-Eligible. Why Doctors Say Parents Shouldn't Wait

1200w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2021/11/04/2021_11_03_kidsvaccines-4_wide-91222b73c235443befb2b2d6c9342f847d4a91cd-s1600-c85.jpg 1600w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2021/11/04/2021_11_03_kidsvaccines-4_wide-91222b73c235443befb2b2d6c9342f847d4a91cd-s1800-c85.jpg 1800w" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" type="image/jpeg"/>

The CDC made it official on Tuesday: kids 5 - 11 are now eligible to receive Pfizer's COVID-19 pediatric vaccine. Within hours, some of the first shots were administered in Hartford, Connecticut.

Jenny Brundin of Colorado Public Radio spoke to parents and kids in Denver about getting a shot. While some are eager, others want to 'wait and see.'

NPR's Allison Aubrey and Selena Simmons-Duffin wrote about why pediatricians say it's better not to wait. Read their piece: Some parents want to wait to vaccinate their kids. Here's why doctors say do it now.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This episode was produced by Vincent Acovino, Gabe O'Connor, and Brent Baughman. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Lee Hale, Matthew Ozug and Joe Neel. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.