Some parents are already trying to make appointments for their children to get Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.

"It's good for the kids because there's been a lot of cases that we've seen with the kids that are going to school and I want them to be safe," says Syosset resident Jaye Thangavenu.

East Meadow pediatrician Dr. John Zaso says there has been a 63% increase of new positive COVID-19 cases in children, according to the state Department of Health.

A COVID-19 vaccine for young children is inching closer after a Food and Drug Administration panel gave its approval for emergency use authorization for children ages 5 to 11 to get the shot.

"As pediatricians and physicians, we're very excited about it," Zaso says.

He says hundreds of parents have already expressed interest in getting their children vaccinated.

Zaso says the data shows that the vaccine, which is one-third of the adult dose, is safe for children and is 91% effective against the delta variant.

He says giving the vaccine to young children is another step to ending the pandemic.

"I've been giving it to 12 and overs since June, it's not new to us, we just have a new age indication," Zaso says. "We have been given 2,000-3,000 doses here. I have not seen adverse effects other than chills, which is normal. Nothing bad."

He says he has already ordered vaccines from the government and is just waiting for full approval to be granted.

Zaso also says if parents have questions whether or not to vaccinate their children, they should avoid the internet and discuss it with their child's pediatrician.