CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky gave the go-ahead for vaccination of 5- to 11-year-olds against COVID-19, following the recommendations of the FDA and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (APIC).

The recommendation and approval followed a day of presenting evidence and debate among experts, open to the public, as well as a public comment period.

Pediatric use of an approximately one-third dosage of the Pfizer vaccine in a two-shot plan could begin as early as Nov. 3 and to be fully operational by next week, the White House says. About 28 million children would be eligible.

The CDC’s Covid Vaccines for Children and Teens web page has more information on the vaccines and how to get them.

According to the FDA, COVID has become among the top 10 leading causes of death for children.

A specially reduced dosage of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12 to 15 has been in use since May. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are still in authorization and trial processes.