June 15, 2022
The much-anticipated authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for young children cleared a key hurdle today.
This afternoon, the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee agreed that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines should be available for emergency use in children 6 months and older. The committee voted unanimously that the benefits outweigh the risks for both vaccines.
During a daylong hearing, the FDA committee reviewed data and heard from company and public health officials about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines for young children.
Moderna has asked for authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for children between 6 months through age 5, while Pfizer-BioNTech has requested authorization for use in children between 6 months through age 4.
Here’s what you need to know from today’s hearing:
Yesterday, the FDA advisory committee recommended Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine should be available for children between 6 and 17 years old. The dosages would be smaller for children between 6 and 11 (50 micrograms) than for children between 12 and 17 (100 micrograms). Following further regulatory review and approval, the two-dose Moderna vaccine would join Pfizer-BioNTech’s as an option for children in these age groups.
HAP will continue to monitor COVID-19 public health developments and provide updates to members and the general public. In addition, HAP encourages everyone to learn more about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and make an appointment in your community if you are not up to date on your vaccines.
A replay of today’s meeting, as well as the presentations, is available online.
Tags: Public Health | COVID-19
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