With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizing the long-awaited COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, the Chicago Tribune will talk to the University of Chicago Medicine’s Dr. Allison Bartlett on Wednesday in a Facebook Live conversation.

       The latest expansion of vaccine eligibility to include kids ages 5 to 11 arrives after months of speculation on when the shots would be ready for elementary school-aged children, who returned to fully reopened classrooms this fall but were previously too young to be vaccinated.

       Officials with the American Academy of Pediatrics said Friday doctors are encouraged by the FDA’s authorization of the vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

       Dr. Allison H. Bartlett of University of Chicago Medicine will discuss COVID-19 vaccines for kids with the Chicago Tribune on Facebook Live at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. (University of Chicago)

       The vaccines are still pending a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, but with the FDA authorization, the shots could be available for younger children by early November.

       Chicago and suburban school districts have not mandated that students receive the vaccine in order to attend classes, but public health officials and school district leaders have urged parents to get their kids vaccinated to keep schools safe, and limit disruptions of in-person learning.

       [Don't miss] Just opened: Izakaya Mita and its Japanese soul food among 8 notable restaurant openings in Chicago ？

       Bartlett, whose research includes working to improve the safety and effectiveness of antibiotic use in children, will answer questions about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines for younger children, possible side effects from the shots and what other steps families can take to support their children’s health heading into flu season.

       The link to the Facebook Live stream will go live on the Tribune’s Facebook page at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Our COVID-19 Q&A is continuously updated. If you have a question we haven’t answered yet, send it to chicagotribune.com/ask.

       kcullotta@chicagotribune.com

       Twitter @kcullotta

       COVID-19 vaccines for kids 5 to 11: U. of C. Medicine doctor to answer parents’ questions on Facebook Live

       49m

       FDA paves way for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations in young kids

       1h

       Breaking News Eric Ferguson ‘stepping away’ from The Mix morning show, vows to defend himself from allegations of inappropriate behavior

       1h

       Breaking News Days before water shortage, Dixmoor laid off most of its public works employees Days before water shortage, Dixmoor laid off most of its public works department

       36m

       Business O’Hare ‘people mover’ to reopen, nearly 3 years behind schedule

       2h