Gov. Ned Lamont called Pfizer’s announcement regarding children and the COVID-19 vaccine “welcome news” during an event Monday in Norwalk, and said the state will be ready to roll it out for those ages.

The company said that its vaccine is "safe and highly effective" for children five to 11 years old.

Lamont says the state's 12 to 18 age group is already 70% vaccinated and that the vaccines have proven they work.

"I think it's good news,” he said. “Let us wait and see what the CDC and the FDA says. We are not going to do anything unless we can do it safely. But assuming we're able to do it, we're prepared. We can roll that out on a voluntary basis. Keep our kids safe and our schools open."

Some local parents told News 12 they are happy their young children may soon be able to get a COVID vaccine. One family says a vaccine for younger kids will make it easier for those who don't always keep their mask on.

"I think it's a pretty cool idea,” said the mother of a 7-year-old girl in Norwalk. "I felt like, ‘Why should I get myself protected but my kids aren't?'…That's like feeding yourself but not feeding your kids.”

Pfizer says since July, the number of COVID-19 cases in children has risen by 240%, emphasizing the need for vaccines in this age group.

The drugmaker plans to get emergency use authorization from the FDA in the next few weeks.

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