KJZZ

A child gets a COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 5, 2021, in Tempe.

The FDA has approved a COVID-19 vaccine booster for healthy children between 5 and 11 years old. 

The authorization opens a third shot to elementary-aged children five months after their last dose. 

The only COVID-19 vaccine available for children in the U.S. is provided by Pfizer. A study from the company found the booster raised kids’ abilities to fight the virus at similar rates to adults. 

According to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services, about 31% of children in the 5 to 11 year old age range in the state have received at least one dose. 

Scientific advisers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are scheduled to meet on Thursday to decide whether to formally recommend the booster for that demographic.