We could have a COVID vaccine for children as early as October

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was cleared for emergency use in children 12 to 15 years old in May, and we are now closer than ever to a COVID-19 vaccine approved for children 12 and under.

Any parent worried about their child contracting COVID (or passing it on to a vulnerable family member) knows that even if they equip their child with a mask, hand sanitizer and all the common sense in the world , there is still a chance that her child can contract COVID without vaccination. It is stressful to say the least. But we can take a collective breath. It looks like there is a date on the horizon – or at least a tangible timeline – for the much talked about and often promised COVID vaccine for children 12 and under.

The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are preparing to release the results of their study in children aged 5 to 11, which look promising. “In the coming weeks, we will present the results of our study on 5-11 year olds around the world to the authorities and seek approval of the vaccine for this age group, including here in Europe,” the doctor said. -Head of BioNTech, zlem. Türeci told the German newspaper The mirror.

Vaccines for children 12 and under could start rolling out in a month.

“We are already preparing for production. The vaccine is the same, but less dosed and there is less need to refuel, ”said Türeci. Basically the study has to go through all the legal hoops and then we can start to see some movement in actual immunizations for children. In Europe, children under 12 could start getting vaccinated as early as mid-October.

“It looks good, everything is going according to plan,” said BioNTech co-founder Uğur Şahin. Data sets on children six months and older are expected by the end of the year, which will hopefully mean even more vaccine eligibility for our children.

Schools across the country have reopened with various COVID compliance mandates.

Some states like Florida have fought bitter battles with the federal government over school mask mandates. Other areas, such as Los Angeles County, require that all eligible students be vaccinated, as well as staff. Even with the promise of a vaccine for children, Ahin has always urged everyone currently eligible for the vaccine to receive it as soon as possible if we are to avoid another massive rise in infections as people move inside. over the next few months.

“As a company, we still have about 60 days to avoid a harsh winter. We have to do what we can to mobilize as many people as possible during these two months, ”Ahin said. Türeci added: “Everyone who is vaccinated also helps. We shouldn’t give up. “Okay! Listen to the science. Get vaccinated. Encourage those around you to do the same. Let’s continue to protect each other.