The federal government intends to start rolling out COVID vaccinations for children under the age of five as soon as February 21, as revealed by a recent document from the CDC.
According to the document, the FDA is apparently considering the authorization of the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine for the specific age group, even though the vaccines did not meet key targets in a clinical trial that focused on two- to four-year-olds.
However, the pharmaceutical companies claim that they submitted data in support of the authorization of vaccines for young children due to a request from the FDA, ostensibly to address major needs for public health in that particular age group.
In addition, FDA advisors are expected to convene on February 15 in order to discuss whether or not regulators should be recommended to authorize the vaccine for children under the age of five. This meeting is set to occur less than a week before the rollout of vaccines for children is schedule to begin, as this group represents the youngest group in the United States who is not yet vaccinated.
The federal government apparently intends to ship upwards of 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to various states and organizations if the FDA ultimately authorizes their usage for children.
On February 21, the initial rollout will focus on areas wherein children demonstrate a higher risk for severe complications from COVID.
In addition, federal pharmacy partners and jurisdictions will also receive shipments on February 25 and February 23, respectively, roughly one week after the latest recommendation from the CDC.
If young children do receive the vaccine, they will apparently receive a lower dose, specifically three micrograms instead of ten micrograms used for 5- to 11-year-olds. Individuals who are 12 and older receive 30 micrograms.
