Statement: Bronx Public Charter Schools on New Pfizer Vaccine Data for Children Ages 5-11

(Bronx, NY) — With the recent announcement of Pfizer/BioNTech submitting trial data to the Food and Drug Administration for its vaccine to be used for children ages 5-11, Bronx public charter school leaders stressed the importance of vaccination for the Bronx community for all who qualify.  

 

Widespread vaccination for all eligible age groups is crucial to keeping children learning in classrooms and on a path to academic acceleration. In today’s submission, Pfizer submitted hopeful data that proves coronavirus vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 are safe and effective. Pfizer will submit a formal request to regulators to allow a pediatric dose of their vaccine to be administered to children in the United States in the coming weeks. 

 

This is no doubt encouraging news. Schools like ours have been prioritizing safety and stability for our students, ensuring that we keep our children learning in classrooms, where they belong. We also know that vaccines are the ultimate solution to the pandemic. The more shots that go into arms around the globe, the more likely we are to beat COVID-19. What makes today’s news so exciting is that this is another step forward to put the vaccine within reach for 5-11-year-olds. In the coming weeks and months, if the government deems the vaccine for this age group safe, we’ll continue to partner with our community, our families and caregivers, and everyone who has a stake in building a brighter future for children,” said Janelle Bradshaw, CEO of Public Prep.  

 

“This is an important step forward for children. The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult for students, families, and schools across the nation. The data looks positive, and an emergency authorized vaccine may be in sight for younger learners in the months ahead is a very positive sign. Today’s announcement could prove to be a milestone in our fight against the virus and a step forward for children and their learning,” said Miriam Raccah, Executive Director of Bronx Charter School for the Arts.  

 

“Since the onset of the pandemic, our leadership has worked actively to reach a 100% vaccination rate among eligible populations within our community. The possibility of a vaccine for students aged 5-11 in the months ahead is welcome news. Should the FDA approve the vaccine for 5-11 year olds, our school will work closely with community partners to help our families and those in the neighborhoods we serve gain access to it, because vaccines are our ticket to normalcy in schools across the city and the nation,” said Lester Long, Executive Director of Classical Charter Schools of the South Bronx.  

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