Community

Readers: What will it mean to you when young children can receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Tell us how having young children eligible for the vaccine will impact you and your loved ones.

Youngsters wear vests and masks and hold on to a strap as they take a wlak outdoors on Arlington Street escorted by adults childcare providers in this file photo. Photo by John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

By Zipporah Osei

October 28, 2021

A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted unanimously in favor of administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 earlier this week, creating a pathway forward for millions of families in the country.

The FDA is expected to make an official decision in the coming days, and in meantime, the Biden administration has announced plans to distribute the vaccine for young children. A COVID-19 vaccine for young children could be recommended by the Centers for Disease Control by the end of next week.

Children may be less likely to contract the virus, but with many schools back in session and flu season right around the corner, having the option to vaccinate will give many parents the peace of mind they need to allow their young children to safely attend school, travel for the holidays, or see their more at-risk loved ones.

We know Boston.com readers are ready to vaccinate their young children, and now that vaccination is possible, we want to know what the FDA’s announcement means for you, your children, friends and family, and your community at large.

What will it mean to you when young children can receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Let us know how this new vaccine approval might impact your life by filling out the survey below or e-mailing us at [email protected] and we may feature your response in a future article.