The federal health official revealed that the Food and Drug Administration is anticipated to authorize Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for administration to adolescents by early next week.
According to the latest news, Pfizer has applied for emergency use authorization for its vaccine for people ages 12 to 15. The Food and Drug Administration will have to amend the emergency use authorization for the vaccine.
The move would allow many students to be vaccinated against coronavirus well before the start of the next school year.
Pfizer showed 100% effectiveness in children as young as 12 years old. Remarkably, side effects were similar to those that have happened in young adults.
The Food and Drug Association is reviewing data offered by Pfizer to support the extended use. The vaccine is currently authorized in America for emergency use in people 16 and older.
Pfizer will be the first coronavirus vaccine authorized for adolescents in the U.S.
Moreover, an FDA spokesperson refused to comment on its anticipated approval of an amendment to Pfizer’s emergency use authorization. According to spokesperson, the regulator was working on reviewing this request as quickly and transparently as possible.
The New York Times first reported plans to expand Pfizer’s vaccine authorization to minors. Pfizer would be the first coronavirus vaccine authorized for adolescents in the U.S.
The FDA has earlier reported that it doesn’t plan to assemble its advisory panel meeting to review the amendment.
Additionally, Moderna is testing its vaccine in children as young as 6 months and expect to ask the FDA for EUA covering newborns and children later in 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will still also need to revise its recommendations for using Pfizer’s vaccine before most providers can begin administering first doses to adolescents. Moreover, CDC officials have announced that they plan to convene a meeting of their advisory committee on immunization practices, following the FDA’s amendment.
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