Children ages 5 through 11 are now eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials announced on Tuesday morning.
Eligible children will be able to receive their third dose five months after the completion of their second dose, according to officials.
The FDA said although COVID cases tend to be less severe in children, “the omicron wave has seen more kids getting sick with the disease and being hospitalized, and children may also experience longer term effects, even following initially mild disease.”
Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said the Pfizer vaccine is effective in preventing the most severe COVID symptoms in children age 5 and older.
Marks also stated that FDA research has shown that protection provided by just two shots has tapered off over time. Health officials believe authorization of the third dose will help further protect children against COVID.
“Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 and its severe consequences, and it is safe,” health officials said. “If your child is eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and has not yet received their primary series, getting them vaccinated can help protect them from the potentially severe consequences that can occur, such as hospitalization and death.”
A third dose of the Moderna vaccine has not been approved for the 5 through 11 age group, however, Moderna manufacturers recently asked FDA officials to authorize the use of their vaccine in children age 6 and under.
Back in March, the FDA authorized a fourth dose of both the Pfzier and Moderna vaccinees for immunocompromised people and people aged 50 and older.
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