Parents anxious to finally vaccinate their youngest children against COVID-19, strap in: A lot is set to happen over the next week.
On Wednesday, both
The FDA weighed in late Friday with its own analysis of
Kids under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in the
Adding to the complexity, each company is offering different dose sizes and number of shots. And the week won’t even start with the littlest kid debate:
Only a handful of countries, including
Here’s a primer to help keep all the developments straight.
PFIZER’S PLAN FOR THE LITTLEST
For kids younger than 5,
MODERNA’S PLAN FOR THE LITTLEST
The FDA currently allows Moderna’s vaccine to be used only in adults. But some countries allow two full-size doses for teens and half-size shots for kids ages 6 to 11 — which
MAKING THEIR CASE
Pfizer’s preliminary data showed after three shots, children developed high levels of virus-fighting antibodies with no safety problems. In addition, the vaccine appeared 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. But that calculation was based on just 10 cases diagnosed among study participants by the end of April, and it could change if more cases have occurred since.
Moderna’s study found tots ages 6 months through 5 years developed high antibody levels after two of its shots. But while there were no severe cases of COVID-19 during the trial, the vaccine was only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections.
In their review, FDA scientists noted the study was too short to determine how long the vaccine's effectiveness would last. They also said that it was likely that a booster would be needed, based on the experience with adults.
WHEN COULD SHOTS START?
If the FDA authorizes one or both shots — a decision expected shortly after its advisory panel's meeting — all eyes move to the
The CDC’s own vaccine advisers are scheduled to meet next Friday and Saturday, and a final decision by the
If all those steps fall into place, vaccinations could begin in many areas
VACCINATION SITES
Pediatricians, other primary care physicians and children's hospitals are expected to vaccinate most of the youngest kids. Limited drugstores will offer them for at least some of the under-5 group — parents should check local availability for different ages. The Biden administration says it also is working with a variety of other groups, such as children's museums, to offer pop-up clinics and reach even more youngsters.
WHAT IF MY CHILD RECENTLY HAD COVID-19?
About three-quarters of children of all ages are estimated to have been infected at some point during the pandemic. It’s a question sure to come up as CDC’s advisers make recommendations for the littlest kids, so stay tuned.
For older ages, the
DEMAND IS UNCLEAR
There are roughly 18 million children younger than 5, and many parents are eager to get their tots vaccinated. But it’s unclear how many ultimately will, given disappointing vaccine uptake by older children.
According to the
WHAT ABOUT MODERNA AND OLDER KIDS?
On Tuesday, the FDA’s advisers will consider
The FDA has held up Moderna’s teen vaccine for months while it investigated a rare side effect, heart inflammation. That’s mostly a risk for teen boys and young men, and also can occur with the
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