(StatePoint) COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children under 5 years old, and the American Medical Association (AMA) is urging parents to get their children vaccinated.

"The wait for this moment has been excruciating for parents who were ready on day one for their children to receive a vaccination to prevent severe COVID," says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the AMA. "While there is overwhelming scientific evidence showing the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, we know many parents and families still have questions."

Here are six things to know about pediatric COVID-19...