Only about 29% of children aged 5 to 11 have been vaccinated since Pfizer’s shots opened to them last November, a rate far lower than public health authorities consider ideal.ĭr. Still, by some estimates, three-quarters of all children have already been infected. Many parents trying to keep unvaccinated tots safe have put off family trips or enrolling children in daycare or preschool. While COVID-19 is generally less dangerous for young children than older kids and adults, there have been serious cases and some deaths. In the US, it remains uncertain how many parents want their youngest vaccinated. According to the World Health Organization, 12 other countries already vaccinate kids under 5, with other brands. Moderna said in April that it is also seeking regulatory approval outside the US for its little kid shots. Teens and school-age children were added last year. The nation’s vaccination campaign started in December 2020 with the rollout of adult vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with health care workers and nursing home residents first in line. Currently Pfizer vaccine is their only choice. If authorized by the FDA, it would be the second option for those age groups. The same FDA panel on Tuesday backed Moderna’s half-sized shots for ages 6 to 11 and full-sized doses for teens. Pfizer and partner BioNTech found that two shots didn’t provide enough protection in testing, so a third was added during the omicron wave.Ī vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is displayed on a counter at a pharmacy in Portland, Oregon, December 27, 2021. Pfizer’s shots are just one-tenth its adult dose. Moderna has added a booster to its study and expects to eventually offer one. Two doses appeared strong enough to prevent severe illness but only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections. Moderna’s shots are one-quarter the dose of the company’s adult shots. Pfizer’s vaccine is for children 6 months through 4 years Moderna’s vaccine is for 6 months through 5 years. If the CDC signs off, shots could be available as soon as Monday or Tuesday at doctor’s offices, hospitals and pharmacies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide on a formal recommendation after its own advisers meet Saturday. If the FDA agrees with its advisers and authorizes the shots, there’s one more step. “You can’t compare the vaccines directly.’’ Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief. “That is a really important point,”‘ said Dr. In a call with reporters earlier this week, vaccine experts noted that the shots haven’t been tested against each other, so there’s no way to tell parents if one is superior. The two vaccines use the same technology but there are differences.
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