Publix Grocery Refuses to Vaccinate Children Under Age 5

Just days after the FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older, Publix grocery store announced it will not offer the vaccines for babies.

Publix, which is based in Lakeland, Florida, issued a statement on Wednesday saying its pharmacies will not offer the vaccine approved for children ages 4 and under “at this time.”

The company said it would not issue any further statements explaining its decision.

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The policy is in effect at Publix pharmacies nationwide.

The company’s website offers vaccine appointments for children ages 5 and older. Publix still offers other childhood vaccinations, such as flu shots for babies as young as 6 months.

Florida is the only state that did not preorder vaccines for healthy children under age 5.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recommended against administering the COVID vaccines to healthy children.

The White House said Florida’s decision not to preorder the vaccines for babies could delay delivery of the shots to pediatricians and other medical providers in the state.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for babies 6 months and older and boosters for children 5 years and older. The CDC’s recommendations were based on clinical trials that found the shots were “safe and effective” for babies.

The CDC said any potential risks of the vaccines were outweighed by the known risks of COVID-19.