Health authorities in Ohio say children will have plenty of opportunities to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine as soon as it is authorized by the federal government, which is expected early next month.

The Ohio Department of Health announced on Wednesday that it is working with vaccine providers, pediatricians, family physicians, both adult and children’s hospitals, schools, and pharmacies across the state to prepare to vaccinate children aged 5-11.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss the pediatric formulation of COVID-19 vaccines for those ages 5-11 on Oct. 26.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Nov. 2-3.

ODH has informed providers that they should be ready to vaccinate children 5-11 years old shortly after FDA authorization is granted and the CDC makes its recommendations.

ODH stated it is working with Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association to prepare.

Among the state’s efforts are partnerships with 260 school districts across the state, who have plans to conduct vaccination clinics in schools and their local communities for children.

In addition, the Ohio Vax-2-School program will expand to include youth ages 5 to 11 years old, awarding $2 million in scholarships. To date, more than 80,000 entries have been received for Ohio Vax-2-School at www.ohiovax2school.com.

The deadline to enter and drawing dates have not yet been announced.