The Comirnaty vaccine from Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and BioNTech (NSDQ:BNTX) could soon be available for children between the ages of 5 and 11, now that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously recommended its use.
The members of the CDC have “a lot of enthusiasm for this vaccine in this age group,” said Dr. Beth Bell, an ACIP member and professor at the University of Washington.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky will likely formalize the use of the vaccine at the 10-μg dose level, which is one-third as much as the amount in the version for individuals 12 and up.
Earlier this week, the White House signaled that the federal government had acquired enough Pfizer vaccine for all children aged 5 to 11.
The federal government plans to partner with a network of schools, pediatricians, family doctors and other facilities to administer the vaccine.
In a Pfizer Phase 3 trial, the vaccine had 91% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19.
Last week, FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee also voted in favor of authorizing the vaccine in younger children.
On October 29, FDA authorized the vaccine for children between the ages of 5 to 11.