The Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 is safe and effective in children ages 5 to 11. The company announced Monday that it will seek authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in that key group.
The vaccine produced in partnership between Pfizer and BioNTech is already available for anyone over 12 years old. However, as kids head back to school and COVID-19 Delta Variant numbers continue rising in states — this is viewed as a major step froward.
For these younger children — a significantly lower dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was tested. It uses a third of the amount in adults. According to Pfizer officials, the side effects were fewer in this group too. “I think we really hit the sweet spot,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a senior VP for Pfizer told the AP.
The next step will be the FDA evaluating the data for emergency use authorization. Pediatric cases of COVID-19 have skyrocketed since mid-summer.
“I feel a great sense of urgency,” Gruber added. “There’s pent up demand for parents to be able to have their children returned to a normal life.”
Thousands of kids were studied in this effort. Moderna is also studying its shots in elementary school-aged children. They are also studying shots down to 6-month-olds.
FDA panel shuts down Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for most Americans
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