Rockland-based Pfizer has cleared the first hurdle that would allow its vaccine to be used in children ages 5 to 11, and it is possible that many children may be able to get a COVID-19 shot next week.

Now that the FDA advisory committee has OK'd 5 to 11-year-olds getting the Pfizer shot, the FDA will announce its final decision on the Pfizer vaccine within the next few days.

Then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to sign off on the plan. A CDC advisory committee is expected to meet next Tuesday or Wednesday. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky will make the final call.

New York state has pre-ordered 380,000 doses - just for kids 5 to 11 - about 26,000 of them will be coming to the Hudson Valley.

The vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 is a smaller dose than the one given to those 12 and older - it's 10 micrograms versus 30 micrograms. And like in adults, the full vaccination series consists of two doses given three weeks apart.

A lot of parents may be asking local pediatricians about the vaccine and reaching out to make appointments for their children. Pediatrician Dr. Robert Amler is the dean of the School of Public Health at New York Medical College. He is also a former CDC physician. Ambler says he highly recommends people make sure their children get one of those pre-ordered doses. "The vaccine will go a long way to making it possible for them to be comfortably attending school, comfortably attending after school activities, going to church, going to recreational activities on the weekends, and being able to mix with their family," says Amler.

State officials recommend parents asking their children's pediatricians if they'll be giving out the vaccine now - and start planning where they will go for the shot.

About 1.5 million kids across the state will become eligible all at once so appointments may fill up quickly.