As schools weigh mask mandates, experts await vaccine authorization for children under 12

READ: When will children 5-11 be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

School boards across Central Florida have met to revisit mask policies.

For Orange, Volusia and Brevard counties, those school districts flipped voting to require all students to wear masks with no parental opt-out.

Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties did not switch their mask strategy.

READ: Seminole County Schools decides to keep opt-out option for student mask policy

“We’re trying to encourage the older kids that can get vaccinated, to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Salma Elfaki with Nona Pediatric Center.

Elfaki led Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine trial for children and teens ages 12-17 for Accel Research.

The data was handed over to the Food and Drug Administration for those 12-17, but they still haven’t been given the greenlight.

READ: Volusia County School Board approves temporary mask mandate

Statewide data shows 50% of children and teens ages 12-19 have received at least one shot.

“For the younger kids who are still not eligible for vaccination for now, masks have shown to decrease transmission,” Elfaki said, adding that the COVID-19 vaccine will likely be given the go-ahead for children ages 5-11 in late fall or early winter.

The vaccine for children ages 5-11 would be the same composition but a smaller dose.

READ: DOE doesn’t back down, threatens Orange County Schools over mask mandate after judge’s ruling