Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine authorized for children 5-11, U.S. FDA says
Global News
The U.S. FDA has granted emergency authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, bringing it one step closer to full approval.
The FDA has given emergency authorization for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children aged five to 11 years old, setting the stage for a mass vaccination campaign for young children across the United States.
The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is just one-third of the strength of the dosage given to adults and teens.
The FDA’s authorization comes shortly after its expert panel unanimously recommended approval of the vaccine for this age group, saying the potential benefits outweighed any risks of side effects, including a rare heart complication known as myocarditis that has been reported in some teens and young adults who received a stronger dose.
Pfizer’s data found that the children’s vaccine had 91-per cent efficacy against symptomatic infection, with relatively few and minor side effects like a sore arm.
Health Canada is still examining whether to approve Pfizer’s application for its pediatric vaccine for Canadian children.
Even with this FDA approval, there is still one more step before vaccines are given to young children in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still needs to decide whether to recommend the vaccine and which children should receive it.
States are getting ready to roll out the vaccine that will come in special orange-capped vials to avoid dosage mix-ups with the full-strength adult version. More than 25,000 pediatricians and other primary care providers have signed up so far to offer vaccination, which will also be available at pharmacies and other locations.
— with files from the Associated Press
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