Washington: The advisory committee of Food and Drug Administration has endorsed a smaller dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11.
The is a crucial development to administer vaccination to the 28 million children in the age group.
“The benefits of vaccine outweigh the risks for the age group and many members agreed that vaccine shot must be important to continuing in-person learning for children,” the committee decided while some members also pointed out the increased risk of myocarditis, a rare condition of heart inflammation that has been linked to the Pfizer and Moderna shots, as a concern.
Meanwhile, the FDA doesn’t have to follow the committee’s recommendations, however, it usually follow the advice of the committee. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee meets next week to consider the shot. If the CDC director accepts the recommendations, the shots can begin soon in the country.