Kids 6 to 11 May Be Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination by Early to Midwinter

Pfizer and Moderna have been testing their COVID-19 vaccines on children younger than 12 since March, and data should be available in September. The first data set will be on children ages 6 to 11. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring 4 months to 6 months of safety data post-vaccine for children younger than 12, as opposed to the 2 months required for those ages 12 and older. Once the data are available, the vaccine manufacturers can apply for an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. Public health officials suggest that the earliest this process will be complete is early to midwinter. Data for children ages 2 years to 6 years may not be ready until late fall, pushing back the potential availability date for this age group. Click here to read more.