The US Medicines Agency (FDA) urgently authorized COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for toddlers on Friday, paving the way for the first injections, which are now almost certain, as soon as next week in the United States. .
The Moderna vaccine, in two doses, is authorized on an emergency basis for children between six months and 5 years old. That of Pfizer, this time in three doses, is between six months and 4 years old. This is the last age group that has not yet received this protection in the United States, as in many countries.
The FDA also approved, at the same time, Moderna’s vaccine for children ages 6 to 17. The Pfizer vaccine was already authorized from the age of 5 in the country.
“Many parents, caregivers and clinicians have been waiting for a vaccine for the youngest children, and this action will help protect those from 6 months of age,” said Robert Califf, the head of the FDA, in a press release.
“As we have seen in older age groups, these vaccines for younger children are going to provide protection against the most severe cases of COVID-19, such as hospitalizations and deaths. »
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must now also recommend these vaccines before injections can begin. This final green light will be granted after a meeting of expert members of an advisory committee, which was held over two days this Friday and Saturday.
But the US government had indicated that, as soon as the FDA decision was made, some 10 million doses could immediately begin to be sent in advance to the four corners of the country, before millions more in the following weeks. The equipment needed for injections, such as small needles, will also be provided.