BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is now safe for children ages 5 through 11.

The pharmaceutical company plans to apply with the Food and Drug Administration for emergency-use approval in a few weeks.

What You Need To Know

  • Kimberly Madison in Brevard eager to schedule child for COVID vaccination

  • Madison says she is worried about her daughter in school without a shot

  • As soon as FDA OKs the COVID vaccine for children, she says she'll make an appointment

  • A local pediatrician urges parents to talk with their child's doctor with their questions

But will parents be receptive?

"It's been really nerve-racking, her being in school without vaccinations," parent Kimberly Madison says.

With no distance learning in Brevard schools this year, Kimberly Madison has been worried about her daughter, 9-year-old Ariel.

"Last year we took her out of school and did e-learning, because we weren't comfortable," Madison says. "But they aren't doing it this year. I've been very nervous having her in school."

Pfizer announced Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine generated "robust neutralizing antibody responses" in children of that age range.

Tests involved a lower dose in children, roughly one-third the amount used for adults.

​"Children are not little adults, and their immune systems do behave differently," Orlando pediatrician Dr. Candice Jones says. "And of course, we have more data to collect and understand, but it's reported this is a third of the adult dose of the COVID vaccine."

Parents need to ask their own pediatrician specific questions, Jones says.

"Are the intervals the same? Are the side effects similar, what does ‘robust immune system’ (response) mean?" she says.

And as the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is soon as is approved, Madison says she will make an appointment.

"Absolutely, right away, I'll feel a lot better when she's vaccinated," Madison says.