When RI Could See COVID-19 Vaccines For Kids Under 12

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Rhode Island contends with the delta variant of the coronavirus and students get back to school, many parents and families are wondering when to expect vaccine approval for kids under 12.

Right now, it's still unclear exactly when the Food and Drug Administration will give the green light, but it will be in the coming months, said Tom McCarthy, the executive director of the state's vaccine program. The federal government guaranteed that approval will come before the end of the year, but it could be as soon as the end of October, he said.

"We're watching closely," McCarthy said. "Hopefully sooner, rather than later, and if they were approved tomorrow, we'd be ready."

Once approval comes, the vaccination effort for kids will be centered around schools, McCarthy said, since school clinics have been very successful so far.

In the meantime, Dr. Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, urged everyone who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine to do so if they haven't already. She particularly encouraged students to get vaccinated, to help avoid the widespread disruptions to learning, spots and activities caused by the pandemic over the last two school years.

"We need students to take the lead," Alexander-Scott said.