Pfizer Vaccine in Beginning Stage to Become Available for Children Ages 5-11

For just over six months, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been available for US citizens 16 years of age and older. In May of this year, vaccine availability was extended to include 12-15-year-olds. Now, over four months later, vaccines are finally in the beginning stages of the approval process for children 5-11 years of age.

Through a test of 2268 children, with their respective ages ranging from 5-11, Pfizer has cleared vaccines as being safe for young children, determining that the vaccine produces “robust” results amongst this age group. The pharmaceutical company has submitted its data to be officially reviewed by the FDA and awaits clearance at the time of publication. Slightly different from the original vaccine, Pfizer scientists propose that there should be a 21-day waiting period between doses, in comparison to the 14-day waiting period present for people 12 and older, along with doses ⅓ smaller than the standard being administered to children. The smaller dose used in these trials has resulted in a notable decrease in the potential of side effects amongst the recipients. Pfizer estimates that these young children will be eligible for immunization by as early as Halloween of this year, and as late as the beginning of 2022. 

By Kailen Hicks