CDC Signs Off On Covid Vaccines For Young Children—Shots To Begin Next Week

Topline

Two Covid-19 vaccines aimed at young children cleared their final regulatory hurdle Saturday afternoon, with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommending the shots for the final large segment of the U.S. population that had remained ineligible for vaccination against the disease.

Key Facts

Big Number

20 million. That’s how many children are now eligible for Covid vaccines, according to the CDC.

Crucial Quote

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19,” Walensky said in a statement.

Key Background

The highly-anticipated vaccines swiftly won regulatory approval this week after several months of clinical trials showed the shots are safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration signed off on the vaccines last week after its advisory panel unanimously recommended approval.

What To Watch For

Distribution of the vaccines “has started across the country,” according to the CDC. The federal agency said shots will be available next week at pharmacies and clinics nationwide.

Surprising Fact

Pfizer says its vaccine is 80% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in children under 5, but the company came under criticism for using a small sample size—the conclusion is based on just three symptomatic cases in a trial group that received the vaccine and seven symptomatic cases that appeared in a placebo group. Moderna’s vaccine was found to have a 51% efficacy rate in babies between 6 and 23 months and a 37% efficacy rate in children ages 2 to 5.

Further Reading

CDC Panel Recommends Covid Vaccines For Young Children (Forbes)

Moderna And Pfizer Covid Vaccines For Young Children Endorsed By FDA Panel (Forbes)

FDA Authorizes Covid Vaccines For Children As Young As 6 Months (Forbes)

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