Covid vaccines will soon be available to babies and toddlers

For parents with babies and toddlers, the wait is almost over for a Covid-19 vaccine.

Officials predict doses for kids under age five could be authorized and available in Washington state as early as next week.

Dr. Shaquita Bell is a pediatrician at Seattle Children's. She said due diligence is being done to ensure the vaccines are safe and effective — and it's important to get young children vaccinated.

"King County's rates of infections are still pretty high — 10% of the people who have covid right now are under the age of 9... and we know that the vaccine both protects against Covid, but especially protects against the really severe side effects of covid," Bell said.

County health officials say they're working to ensure all families will be able to access vaccines for their youngest kids.

Parents can call their family provider or pediatrician to find out what the process will look like. There will also be more information about how to get appointments on the King County website later this week.

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