Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for infants through preschoolers has moved a step closer to approval by the FDA.
The FDA's committee of independent vaccine experts unanimously voted to recommend the shots for use in the youngest children after considering how safe and effective the shots are.
The vaccine will be voted on by the committee.
The FDA will likely approve the shots in a hurry. The vaccines have to be approved by the CDC before they can be given to the kids.
As the vaccine program ramps up, appointments may be limited at first, but parents will likely be able to get their kids immunized as soon as Tuesday.
Children are less likely to suffer from covid than adults. The hospitalizations of children under the age of 5 spiked during the omicron wave. According to the CDC, the hospitalization rate for these kids was worse than previous flu seasons.
Over 200 six-month to 5-year-olds have been killed by Covid. Only children under the age of 5 are not eligible for vaccine. Parents have been waiting for the FDA to approve the shots.
Because of the large number of older deaths, we have to be careful that we don't become numb. The head of the FDA's vaccine division said that every life is important.
Marks said that the hearts of those who have lost children to Covid-19 are with them.
Pfizer and Moderna have different vaccines for young children. Pfizer's three shots seem to be more effective than Moderna's two shots. The vaccines are safe with side effects similar to the cold.
The vaccine can be given to kids six months to four years old. One-tenth of what adults get is dosed into the shots.
Pfizer's vaccine was 80% effective at preventing illness from omicron.
The vaccine can be given to children six months to five years old. One-fourth of what adults get is dosed into the shots.
Moderna's vaccine was effective in preventing illness from omicron for kids six months to 2 years old and for kids 2 to 5 years old.
According to an executive with the company, Moderna plans to publish data on a third dose targeting the omicron variant in this age group over the summer in order to get the FDA to review it.
Miller told the committee that children under 4 have had the greatest increase in their risk of hospitalization due to Covid 19 during the omicron surge. Moderna believes that two doses will protect against severe disease from omicron.
Pain at the injection site is the most common side effect of both vaccines. Most children who received either vaccine did not develop a high temperature. There were no cases of myocarditis among the children in Pfizer and Moderna's trials.
The story is evolving. You can check back for the latest news.
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