Parents who are eager to vaccinate their children against Covid-19 are finally seeing a clearer timeline. Pfizer has indicated that it expects to gather sufficient data to seek emergency use authorization for its vaccine aimed at children aged 5 to 11 by the end of September. This news is particularly reassuring for parents as they prepare for the new school year amid a rise in cases driven by the Delta variant.
Once the application is submitted to the FDA, approval could come in just a few weeks, mirroring the three-week timeline it took for Pfizer’s vaccine for adults to receive authorization. If authorized, this would make approximately 50 million American children eligible for vaccination. Moreover, vaccines for those under 5 are also anticipated to follow shortly thereafter.
Moderna’s Efforts
Moderna is also in the process of seeking emergency use authorization for its vaccine for children aged 6 and older by the end of this year, with younger age groups expected to be considered in early 2022. Both companies have conducted extensive trials segmented by age group to determine appropriate dosing, as younger children may require different amounts compared to adults. Dr. Jane Thompson, a senior executive at Moderna, mentioned that the trial results so far show similarities to adult responses without safety concerns.
Urgency for Vaccinations
With the recent spike in coronavirus cases, which saw over 120,000 cases among kids reported between August 5 and August 12 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the urgency for vaccinations is more pronounced. Dr. Emily Roberts, part of the AAP’s Committee on Infectious Diseases, noted that rising infection rates in children are often linked to unvaccinated family members in their households. Until children can receive their vaccinations, they must rely on the adults around them to be vaccinated.
Currently, around 70% of American adults have received at least one vaccine dose, while only about 30% of eligible children have been vaccinated. As more children return to classrooms, many without masks, the potential for rising infection rates remains a concern. Vaccinations for all age groups are crucial to curb the spread.
Additional Resources
For additional insights, check out this related blog post here and for authoritative information on the topic, visit this resource. If you’re looking for more comprehensive details about pregnancy and home insemination, this page is an excellent resource.
Search Queries:
- How to prepare for a Covid vaccine for kids
- Pediatric Covid vaccine safety
- Emergency use authorization for children
- Covid vaccination for children under 12
- Benefits of vaccinating children against Covid
In summary, Pfizer is on track to apply for emergency use authorization for its Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 by the end of September, with Moderna following closely behind. As cases among children continue to rise, vaccinations for young ones are becoming increasingly vital for public health.