CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Don’t expect a rush on the COVID-19 boosters for younger kids. New CDC data says kids aren’t even getting routine childhood vaccines missed during the pandemic.

The independent advisory committee to the CDC is expected to issue its recommendation on boosters for kids ages 5 to 11 as early as Thursday. That means shots could be going into arms by Friday if parents encourage kids to get them.

“Probably I’m going to tell them, ‘Hey, guys. I got the vaccine. You guys should try it!’” said Jay Baker, a 9-year-old.

Baker didn’t hesitate to get his COVID-19 vaccine as part of clinical trials at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. His mom was thrilled.

“They really can get back to being kids,” said Rachel Baker.

Jay and his mom are bucking the trend right now. Only about 1 in 3 children in this 5 to 11 age group have chosen to get the initial COVID-19 vaccine, raising the odds the booster numbers will be even lower.

“You need to get that primary series. That’s really the thing that gives us the biggest bang for our buck,” said Dr. Robert Frenck, a vaccine researcher at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

It’s not just the COVID-19 vaccine that has pediatricians concerned. It’s that the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is now carrying over into other childhood vaccines.

“We have a number of people that come in and don’ want to get their routine vaccines,” said Dr. Joseph Bailey, the TriHealth system chief of pediatrics.

As a CDC video shows, that is raising the risk of other childhood illnesses coming back into circulation.

“You don’t hear a lot about whooping cough and measles and chickenpox, but they’re out there,” said Dr. Bailey.

The CDC reports in 2020, they saw a 15% drop from pre-pandemic levels in states’ orders for vaccines for children. Last year, it was about 7%.

Dr. Bailey says that drop is partly due to where people seek vaccine information.

“A lot of people are going to social media,” said Dr. Bailey.

Dr. Bailey says do what the Bakers did: If you have questions about the COVID-19 booster or any other vaccine, talk to your pediatrician.

The FDA expanded authorization for a booster dose in this age group says it should be given five months after the primary series is completed.