Pfizer’s Latest Study Shows Vaccine Safe For Kids Aged 5-11

By
Shawn Ambrose
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Fortunately for us, the vaccines against the virus which has possibly changed life forever were developed in record time.

Less than one year after COVID-19 emerged, several effective vaccines were already being manufactured.

Now, we have more approved vaccines than we can count on our hands.

All over the world, adults young and old have gotten jabbed for the sake of their loved ones’ health, and that of the community.

Except, there are selected groups who are still ineligible for COVID-19 vaccination, including young children.

Although that may soon change.

Pfizer’s Latest Study Shows Vaccine Safe For Kids Aged 5-11

Good news for worried parents: a recent study from Pfizer and BioNTech has shown that their vaccine is safe for children aged five to 11.

In their Phase II/III clinical trial, children in this age group who were vaccinated developed a strong immune response, matching what was observed in 16- to 25-year-olds.

In the trial, children aged five to 11 were given two shots of a 10-microgram dose of the vaccine, which is one-third the dose size given to people 12 and older.

Now, unlike their larger adult clinical trial, this trial did not aim to measure efficacy specifically but to determine the amount of antibodies triggered by the vaccine in the children and compare the results to the response of older recipients in the adult trial.

Pfizer said it now plans to ask the US authorities for approval to use their vaccine in children in the specified age group.

Children Make Up 0.6% of Local Cases 

As of 14 Sep, 367 children in Singapore have been infected with the coronavirus, including 172 who contracted the Delta variant.

Children aged 12 and below accounted for 0.6% of all local cases, with the majority aged between seven and 12.

Fortunately, none of them developed severe illness requiring oxygen supplementation or intensive care.

Globally, the percentage of children who fall severely ill is also extremely low.

Nevertheless, the government said it’s “mindful” of the rise in local infections, and the fact that more children may get infected.

Singapore’s Age of Eligibility 

Currently, in Singapore, only children aged 12 and above can get inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

Earlier this month, however, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said vaccination for children under the age of 12 could start early next year after trials are concluded and approval is granted.

With Pfizer’s trials showing promising results, this could end up happening after all.

Why Should I Get My Kid Vaccinated?

While the coronavirus is less likely to induce severe illness in children, some of our young ones may be more at risk.

These include children with underlying medical conditions like congenital heart disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, or immunosuppression.

Besides vaccination, parents can also ensure that their children maintain good hygiene, keep their masks on while out and about, and keep their homes clean.

Cutting back on social interactions, especially now that cases are rising, is also a good idea.

Of course, the best thing to do would be to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus to your loved ones.

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Feature Image: Siraj Ahmad / Shutterstock.com

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]