FDA Approves Emergency Use for COVID Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

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FDA Approves Emergency Use for COVID Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11.

Alexis Incandela, Editor-In-Chief
October 31, 2021

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use for children ages 5-11. The authorization was based on “thorough and transparent” evaluation of data.

A Pfizer study of 2,268 children found that the vaccine was nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID infections. While the shot can’t be administered yet, on Tuesday, November 2nd, advisors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will discuss and release more details on the use of the vaccine for children. Once the CDC approves the use of the vaccines, the distribution process for the vaccine can begin. Kids will get two 10 microgram shots, three weeks apart from each other. In a statement from the White House, more than 25,000 pediatric, family doctor clinics, pharmacies, and children’s hospitals will provide the vaccine to children.

While some parents might be wary about vaccinating their children, experts say they’re safe. “Vaccinating younger children against COVID-19 will bring us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Our comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the data pertaining to the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness should help assure parents and guardians that this vaccine meets our high standards.”

While severe illness and death from COVID-19 pose a lower risk to younger kids, there have been more than 8,300 hospitalizations (a third of which required intensive care) and 100 deaths between the 5-11 age category during the course of the pandemic. According to data from the FDA, this age category accounts for 39% of COVID-19 cases.

According to Dr. Lee Savio Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Authorization of the vaccine for younger children is an important step in keeping them healthy and providing their families with peace of mind. The vaccine will make it safe for children to visit friends and family members, celebrate holiday gatherings, and to resume the normal childhood activities that they’ve missed during the pandemic.”

As of now, the Moderna vaccine is still being studied in young children, but is showing good results. Both Moderna and Pfizer are working on vaccines for babies and preschoolers.