October 24, 2022

Indiana unlikely to add COVID-19 to list of required children's vaccines

Listen at IPB News

Article origination IPB News
COVID-19 vaccines for kids 12 and older were approved in May 2021. Pfizer's emergency use authorization was expanded to 5- to 11-years-olds in November 2021. And the Food and Drug Administration authorized pediatric vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for children as young as 6 months in June 2022. - Alan Mbathi/IPB News

COVID-19 vaccines for kids 12 and older were approved in May 2021. Pfizer's emergency use authorization was expanded to 5- to 11-years-olds in November 2021. And the Food and Drug Administration authorized pediatric vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for children as young as 6 months in June 2022.

Alan Mbathi/IPB News

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel recently recommended that state officials add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of routine immunizations for children.

But it’s unlikely Indiana will do so.

Indiana law mandates a list of required immunizations for children in elementary and high school. That includes polio, measles, mumps, pertussis, hepatitis and meningitis.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said, with the COVID-19 vaccine, he’s avoided mandates.

“I’ve always sought to offer, not order, when it comes to that,” Holcomb said.

READ MORE: Kids as young as 6 months could get COVID-19 vaccines soon in Indiana


 

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on COVID-19 and other statewide issues.


Holcomb acknowledged that the General Assembly will consider any public health recommendations when it meets in January.

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) declined to comment. But House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) said he doesn’t plan to add COVID-19 to the list of required immunizations.

 

 

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Copyright 2022 IPB News. To see more, visit IPB News.

 

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

FSSA creates waitlist for Aged and Disabled waiver. Advocates worry it creates barrier to care
What's at stake in the Supreme Court mifepristone case
Psilocybin research fund, pharmacy benefits manager language added to nursing bill