In the battle against deadly coronavirus, the vaccine is the most effective weapon. It prevents serious illness, hospitalization, and death. As per the CDC, over 49% of the US population is fully vaccinated, bringing the country a step closer to end the pandemic.
However, the vaccine for kids is still a matter of concern. Many children and young people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are still waiting for their turn.
Earlier, the FDA approved a COVID-19 vaccine for younger children (those who are 12 or above). According to the agency, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can be used during emergency situations for individuals as young as 12. Experts believe the decision will help the world, including the US, vaccinate adolescents and bring the world back to normalcy.
In the next few months, more vaccines may get FDA approval as the covid vaccine for kids.
Here’s more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and young people:
Vaccine for 12 to 16-Year-Old Adolescents
- Pfizer-BioNTech
In December 2020, the FDA approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. At that time, the agency announced that the Pfizer vaccine could be used as an emergency vaccine for individuals over 16 years old.
Six months later, in May, the FDA extended the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as a COVID vaccine for children. The agency stated that the vaccine could be used as an emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals between 12- to 15-year-olds.
The FDA’s announcement came after Pfizer revealed its data, showing that the vaccine was capable of treating symptomatic coronavirus infection in children between 12 and 15.
- Moderna-NIAID Vaccine for 18-year-old Youngsters
The FDA approved the emergency use of the Moderna-NIAID vaccine for individuals 18-year-old and older.
Recently, the Massachusetts-headquartered pharmaceutical company announced the results of its clinical trial for the vaccine for children (12- to 17-year-olds). Moderna revealed that the results of phase 2 and phase 3 showed the efficacy of around 96% against coronavirus symptoms in individuals who were between 12 and 17.
- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine for People 18 Years and Older
The company received permission from the FDA for the emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine for people who are 18 and above. This year, in April, Johnson & Johnson extended its vaccine trials for young people (12-year-old to 17-year-old).
Vaccine for Kids Between 2 and 11 Years Old
Many companies in the US and worldwide have been working to make their COVID-19 vaccines available for people 12 years and older. What about vaccinating children who are between two and 11 years old?
Dr. Walter Dehority from the department of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico said Moderna’s trial for kids between two and 11 years old results could be similar to adult studies. Dehority, who is a leading researcher in Moderna’s vaccine trials, said it was necessary to go slow in the case of children. According to the researcher, it was difficult to understand what could be the right dosage of COVID vaccine for kids between two and 11 years old.
- Pfizer-BioNTech May Be Available by September
As per reports, Pfizer is currently planning for its pediatric vaccine study for kids between 6 months to 11 years old. If everything goes well, we may have a COVID vaccine for kids who are below 12 years of age. The vaccine schedule for children depends on Pfizer’s study results – the sooner, the better.
- Moderna-NIAID may be Available by Fall
Apart from Pfizer, Moderna has been testing its COVID vaccines for kids under 12 years old. According to the company, it has been planning trials on children 6 months to 11 years old. If its study results show promising results, the world may have the Moderna-NIAID vaccine for kids during fall this year.
Vaccine for Kids Between 6 Months and 2 Years Old
Both Pfizer and Moderna have been planning trials for kids between 6 months and 11 years old. However, it may take some more months for vaccinating children under 2.
Pfizer expects that its vaccine may be available for children 6 months to 2 years old in the final quarter of 2021.
Moderna is also testing its pediatric vaccine for children between 6 months and two years. It is believed that the vaccine may soon be available for kids. According to experts, the availability of the vaccine for kids between 6 months and 2 years old depends on the study results.
Takeaway
The world may not have a COVID 19 vaccine for children, especially ones Between 6 months and 11 Years old, but the future is promising. If pharma companies’ trials go well, the world may soon have a vaccine for kids too. Till then, protect your children. Follow COVID-19 guidelines, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing to safeguard your children against the virus.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.
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