The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines for children under the age of 5. This is the first time that a Covid-19 vaccine has been authorized for use in this age group..
The Moderna vaccine is authorized for children aged 6 months to 5 years, while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Both vaccines are administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 28 days after the first dose..
The FDA’s decision was based on data from clinical trials that showed that both vaccines are safe and effective in children under 5. The trials found that the vaccines were well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. The vaccines were also found to be effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infection..
The authorization of the Covid-19 vaccines for children under 5 is a significant step forward in the fight against the pandemic. It is estimated that there are approximately 18 million children under the age of 5 in the United States, and the availability of a vaccine for this age group will help to protect them from Covid-19..
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider about the Covid-19 vaccines for children under 5. The vaccines are safe and effective, and they can help to protect children from Covid-19..
Here are some additional details about the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines for children under 5:.
* The Moderna vaccine is given as a two-dose series, with each dose containing 25 micrograms of mRNA..
* The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is given as a three-dose series, with each dose containing 3 micrograms of mRNA..
* Both vaccines are administered intramuscularly, typically in the deltoid muscle..
* The most common side effects of the vaccines include pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days..
* The vaccines are not interchangeable. Children who receive the Moderna vaccine must complete the series with the Moderna vaccine, and children who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must complete the series with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine..
Parents and caregivers should talk to their healthcare provider about any questions they have about the Covid-19 vaccines for children under 5..
