COVID vaccines for children ages 5 and under from Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. received authorization from U.S. regulators, meaning almost all of the American population can soon get protected against COVID-19 disease.
The Food and Drug Administration clearance allows the use of Pfizer’s three-dose vaccine for youngsters ages six months through 4 years, made with German partner BioNTech SE, and Moderna’s two-dose vaccine for children six months through 5 years, according to a statement from the agency. The FDA also cleared the use of Moderna’s COVID shot for children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old. Until now, only Pfizer’s vaccine was available for this age group.
It’s been a year and a half since vaccines first became available, and an authorized vaccine will be welcome news for parents whose youngsters haven’t been able to get their shots. Pfizer’s vaccine had been delayed earlier when a two-dose regimen didn’t evoke an adequate response.
