Pediatricians anticipate possible COVID-19 vaccine approval for kids 5-11 as soon as Nov. 3

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58)-- The White House announced its plan to mobilize COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11 once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The FDA's independent advisory committee is scheduled to meet on Oct. 26. The CDC's independent advisory committee is scheduled to meet on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. 

If approved, vaccines could start going into kids' arms as soon as the first week of November.

In anticipation of upcoming FDA and CDC independent advisory committee meetings, @POTUS announced his plan to ensure that if a vaccine is authorized for children ages 5-11, it is quickly and equitably distributed to families across the country.https://t.co/Fi9icrXOwh

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 20, 2021

"We all need to get the vaccine to shut this down," Dr. Greg Demuri, a pediatric infectious physician with UW Health, said. "This is a huge section of the population that is unprotected, and has been since the beginning of the pandemic."

In a press release issued Wednesday, Oct. 20, the White House said it has enough vaccine to immunize the country's 28-million children that will become eligible. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send vaccines with supplies, including smaller needles, to the individual states.

The effort to vaccinate millions of kids will take effort from all vaccinators, including doctor's offices, pharmacies, health departments and schools.

"We do anticipate maintaining those relationships and leveraging that school entity as a safe place for families and children," Dr. Heather Paradis, a medical director with Milwaukee Health Department, said.

Doctors said vaccines for kids couldn't come at a better time.

"We're really seeing this age group has been hit hard by COVID, especially with a return to school and with all of the disparities between how school districts are choosing to deal with COVID," Dr. Kristin Bencik, a pediatrician with Bayshore Pediatrics, said. "We know this can make the difference."

"Don't listen to social media, talk to your doctor."

Dr. Kristin Bencik's message to parents ahead of a decision on COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11. If the FDA and CDC approve the Pfizer vaccine for kids, it could be in arms as soon as the first week of November. @CBS58pic.twitter.com/JKFt85ec5K

— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) October 20, 2021

Doctors ask that parents bring vaccine questions and concerns directly to them. They can help parents decide what's best for their child.