Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine authorized for children 5-11, U.S. FDA says – National

The FDA has given emergency authorization for using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in youngsters aged 5 to 11 years previous, setting the stage for a mass vaccination marketing campaign for younger youngsters throughout the USA.

The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is simply one-third of the power of the dosage given to adults and teenagers. Will probably be given as a two-dose collection, with the doses three weeks aside.

The FDA’s authorization comes shortly after its skilled panel unanimously really useful approval of the vaccine for this age group, saying the potential advantages outweighed any dangers of unwanted effects, together with a uncommon coronary heart complication often known as myocarditis that has been reported in some teenagers and younger adults who obtained a stronger dose.

Pfizer’s information discovered that the kids’s vaccine had 91-per cent efficacy towards symptomatic an infection, with comparatively few and minor unwanted effects like a sore arm. The vaccine was studied in roughly 3,100 youngsters and no severe unwanted effects had been reported, the FDA mentioned.

Well being Canada remains to be inspecting whether or not to approve Pfizer’s software for its pediatric vaccine for Canadian youngsters. A choice might nonetheless be “weeks away,” Well being Canada’s Dr. Supriya Sharma mentioned at a press convention Friday.

Even with this FDA approval, there’s nonetheless yet another step earlier than vaccines are given to younger youngsters within the U.S. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) nonetheless must determine whether or not to suggest the vaccine and which youngsters ought to obtain it.

1:15
COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers aged 5-11 nonetheless ‘weeks away’: Sharma

“As a mom and a doctor, I do know that folks, caregivers, faculty workers, and kids have been ready for right this moment’s authorization. Vaccinating youthful youngsters towards COVID-19 will deliver us nearer to returning to a way of normalcy,” mentioned appearing FDA commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock, in a press launch Friday.

States are on the brink of roll out the vaccine that can are available in particular orange-capped vials to keep away from dosage mix-ups with the full-strength grownup model. Greater than 25,000 pediatricians and different major care suppliers have signed up to date to supply vaccination, which can even be accessible at pharmacies and different areas.

— with information from the Related Press

1:24
U.S. FDA panel weighs authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers

View hyperlink »