SANTA FE – On Monday, the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) announced that over 40,000 New Mexicans between the ages of 5 and 11 have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This figure represents more than 21% of all New Mexicans within this age range. Moreover, nearly 15,000 of New Mexico’s 5- to 11-year-olds have now completed their initial vaccination series.

“New Mexico’s parents have waited almost two years for the ability to protect their children from this terrible pandemic, and we are highly encouraged that so many parents are seizing this opportunity,” said DOH Deputy Secretary Dr. Laura Parajon.

As a reminder, DOH announced on November 3 of this year children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, following federal approvals by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A dose of Pfizer for children 5-11 contains one-third the amount of active ingredient compared to the adult dose.

Children receive a second dose 21 days or more after their first shot. Available data shows that all COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the Delta variant.

Parents and guardians can register and schedule their children for vaccine boosters at vaccineNM.org.