Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE said their COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective and prompted a strong immune response in children under age 5, based on early results from a trial that is likely to pave the way for infants and toddlers to finally get immunized.
A three-dose regimen was 80.3% effective in a preliminary finding based on 10 infections in children ages 6 months through 4 years old, the vaccine partners said in a statement on Monday. A formal analysis will be done once 21 children are infected, as the study was designed, and the final efficacy data will be shared when available, they said.
While still early, the initial findings are likely to be welcome news to parents and health officials who are anxious to protect the youngest children as mitigation measures fall to the wayside in many areas, despite rising numbers of infections. The lack of a vaccine for infants, toddlers and preschoolers almost 18 months after the shots first became available for adults has created a conundrum for many families, as older children go back to in-person school and much of life has returned to normal.
