Pfizer to seek approval for Covid vaccine for 5-11-year-olds

They will seek approval from regulatory bodies as soon as possible.

Trial results prove the Covid vaccine is safe for children aged between 5 and 11, Pfizer and BioNTech have confirmed. They stated that their findings prove that the vaccine produces a robust immune response in young children. They said they will seek regulatory approval as soon as possible. Their findings will be submitted to the European Union, United States, and regulatory bodies across the world. "In participants five to 11 years of age, the vaccine was safe, well-tolerated, and showed robust neutralising antibody responses," they stated. It is believed children under 12 will be given a lower dosage. During the trial, children aged between 5 and 11 were given two doses of ten microgrammes. The doses were given 21 days apart. Adults are given 30 microgrammes per dose. Side effects were similar to those people aged between 16 and 25. The most common side effects are a sore arm, fever, headache, and fatigue. Covid cases in children have been increasing dramatically across the world. Experts are concerned about the rise in cases in children, especially as countries continue to re-open. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla commented, "We are eager to extend the protection afforded by the vaccine to this younger population." The news comes after the HSE confirmed 90% of people over 16 were fully vaccinated in Ireland. HSE chief executive Paul Reid stated that 7.1 million vaccine doses have been administered in Ireland. He praised younger people for getting vaccinated in immense numbers. "Younger people have influenced & shaped this country for the better on many occasions over the past few years. They have done so again. Now over 90% of those aged 16 & over have been fully vaccinated," Reid confirmed. "The highest uptake in the EU. Truly remarkable & inspirational," he added. The majority of people in Ireland have received the Pfizer vaccine.