COVID-19: Statement from Gov. Kathy Hochul on FDA authorizing first booster dose for children 5-11

"Today, renowned pediatric health experts and doctors at the Food and Drug Administration authorized the first COVID-19 booster dose for 5- to 11-year-olds. I know this is particularly welcome news for parents and guardians all over New York who have been patiently waiting to give their children the extra layer of protection that the booster dose provides against serious illness from COVID-19. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation, New York will be ready to offer boosters to this newly eligible population.

"Boosters are widely available, free, and safe. And, when it comes to protecting New Yorkers from COVID-19, they continue to be our best defense. Still, with just over half of eligible New Yorkers boosted, we need more New Yorkers – adults and children alike – to take advantage of this life-saving tool.

"So, my message to parents and guardians is this: On the heels of this very good news, let's set an example for our kids. Get boosted, then get your kids boosted as soon as they're eligible. There is no better time than now, so that our children are protected against COVID-19 as they head into summer vacation and gear up for the upcoming school year.

"At the state level, we will continue to make sure these tools are available to all New Yorkers as we work together to move safely forward through this pandemic."