Amid pressure to supply the Covid-1 vaccine to children under the age of 12 amid pediatric cases and hundreds of school closures, top US Food and Drug Administration officials said in a statement Friday that the agency would “follow science” and “cut no corners”. “On the vaccine for young children.
Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock and FDA’s Center for Biological Research and Evaluation Director Dr. “Many parents are concerned about the epidemic and the protection of their children,” acknowledged Peter Marx. Officials said they could not give a specific timeline for pediatric covid-1 vaccines but “have high hopes” that “they will be available within the next month”.
“Like you, we want to see our children and grandchildren get vaccinated against Kovid-1 as soon as possible. Our science and data need to show us the way,” officials said.
Officials say some vaccine manufacturers are still enrolling participants in clinical trials and some are still administering doses or following participants. The process is expected to include a follow-up time of at least two months, according to officials, to allow for proper security monitoring.
Once the clinical trial is completed, manufacturers must analyze their data and request approval for emergency use. Officials say the FDA will “be ready to complete its review as soon as possible, possibly within a few months.”
The agency called on parents and others who are in close contact with children under the age of 12 to vaccinate, wear masks and follow other recommended precautions.
