Pfizer Vaccine To Be Given To Children Between Six Months And Five Years Of Age In The U.S.

U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and its partner BioNtech applied Tuesday for emergency authorization in the United States for their COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of six months and five years, the companies announced in a statement. "Following a request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the companies have initiated a submission to modify the emergency use authorization to include children between the ages of six months and five years in response to an urgent need," the companies said. If approved, this would be the first coronavirus vaccine for children of those ages. Shortly after the announcement, the FDA convened its advisory committee meeting for February 15 to review the data provided by Pfizer for the vaccine for children aged six months to five years.

According to Pfizer and BioNtech, they have provided data on the safety and efficacy of two three-microgram doses in children in this age range as part of a three-dose series. However, Pfizer cautioned that information on the booster dose in this age range will not be forthcoming for several months. "Having a safe and effective vaccine available for children in this age group is a priority for the agency and we are committed to a timely review of the data," FDA acting commissioner Janet Woodcock said in another statement. Last October, the FDA licensed the vaccine from these drug companies for children between the ages of five and 11, and recently gave the green light to a booster dose for children between the ages of 12 and 15. Until the vaccine arrives, "the best way to protect children, even when they are at school or daycare, is to practice social distancing and the use of masks, in accordance with public health recommendations," Woodcock added.