The CDC has approved a COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. The shot offers strong protection from the virus with very few side effects and is being distributed to doctors, clinics, and pharmacies. Although severe illness from the virus is rare in children, many parents feel relieved that their younger kids can finally access the same protections as older children and adults. Listen to learn details about the long-awaited new shot, including where it will be given and the risks and benefits of getting it.
Story Length: 4:15
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October 25, 2021
2:31
California has become the first state in the nation to require COVID-19 vaccines for all public and private school students. The mandate will go into effect as soon as the FDA fully approves the shot for 12-16-year-olds, which is currently under emergency authorization. Governor Gavin Newsome says the move will help to end the pandemic, although his announcement was met with mixed reactions. Listen to hear how some parents and teachers view California’s new school vaccine policy.
Read MoreMay 24, 2021
3:32
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15-year-olds. Kids who tested the vaccine, developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, were extremely well protected against the virus and had only mild side effects. Approval of the new vaccine means that 87% of Americans are eligible to be vaccinated, raising hopes that life can return to normal and the pandemic can be defeated. Listen to learn more about the new vaccine and how teens and preteens – and their parents – are responding.
Update: Since this story aired, the Pfizer vaccine has become available for kids aged 12-15.
Read MoreMarch 8, 2021
6:56
The city of Washington, D.C., hosted a mass COVID-19 vaccination event for its public school employees. It was a huge operation requiring hundreds of volunteers and provided vaccinations to thousands of workers in one day. For this audio story, a reporter visited the event and asked attendees to share their thoughts on getting vaccinated. Listen to hear from a school custodian, a teacher, and a principal who received their shots, and hear a doctor explain how he addresses peoples’ fears about the vaccine.
Read MoreFebruary 2, 2021
5:53
President Joe Biden has issued a detailed national plan for fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The 200-page document outlines the federal government’s strategy for testing and vaccinating Americans, restoring U.S. leadership in the world, and more. This audio story features an infectious disease doctor discussing Biden’s plan, including his views on both its merits and its shortcomings. Listen to a medical expert explain how well the plan meets the challenges he has seen as a doctor, and why he calls the plan “very U.S.-centric.”
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