By Carl O’Donnell

(Reuters] -The United States is now able to begin administering COVID-19 shots to children between 5 and 11 years of age as early as Wednesday. This means that approximately 28 million students in schools are eligible for these vaccines, which provide immunity against the deadly disease.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the recommendation Tuesday. Pfizer After a vote by outside advisors, Inc/BioNTech Se was approved for widespread use within this age group.

Although 58% of Americans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in their country, only 12 years old are eligible to get shots. They account for 25% of all U.S. cases.

A vaccine that has proven to be over 90% effective in the prevention of symptomatic infections in children offers a way for schools and students to enjoy more freedoms, as well as fewer school closures.

White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that “I believe it’s going make the issue of schools much simpler, much safer,” during a CNN interview.

The U.S. Government is sending 15 Million COVID-19 vaccines to distribution centers in the nation. While some shots may be available as quickly as Wednesday, more will be made widely starting Nov. 8.

They will be offered at children’s hospitals, pharmacies and pediatricians offices. These shots will be offered at the major national pharmacies Walgreens Boots Alliance and CVS Health, starting on Saturday.

According to U.S. officials, 50 million doses have been purchased by the federal government for use in deployment.

Pfizer’s vaccine shot for children younger than 12 years old contains a 10-microgram lower dose of vaccine.

Friday’s approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines was granted to children 5-11 years of age. For children below the age 12 years, Pfizer has the only shot that is approved. Other countries like China have begun to vaccinate children.

Moderna (NASDAQ.) Inc stated Sunday that it would not file its request for emergency authorization for vaccine for children between 6 and 11 years. The FDA will review safety data related to its application for 12–17-year-olds.

Public health experts and officials stated that states with highest COVID-19 adult vaccination rates have also been preparing greater efforts to ensure children are vaccinated than states where they still face hesitancy.

Kathy Hochul of New York, governor, announced Tuesday a new vaccination incentive for children. She will give two tickets to Brooklyn’s events. Barclays (LON) Centre for getting vaccinated in the arena

It is still unclear what parents will do. Since severe COVID-19, which is less common in younger people than it is for adults who are vaccinated, many parents have a more split opinion about whether to vaccine their children.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccin has been used by more than 400 million people. However, long-term data are not available for use in children and adults.

New York, Washington, and California are all being led by Democratic governors, who promoted vaccines and wearing masks during the pandemic.

California mandates that children in school receive the COVID-19 vaccine when they turn 18. The measure is currently being studied by New York and Washington.

Republican governors in the US have generally resisted vaccine mandates and mask requirements at schools, workplaces, and other public places. More than 12 states including Florida and Texas have attempted to stop schools from setting such restrictions.

Pamela Zeitlin is the chairperson of the pediatric department at National Jewish Health in Colorado.