Pfizer to Push Back Its COVID-19 Vaccine for Babies and Toddlers

Pfizer and BioNTech are pushing back when they expect to have a vaccine for babies and toddlers.

The companies said that during a routine review they found the lower, 3-microgram dose they had been using during trials seems safe, but doesn’t offer enough protection for the youngest age group (0 to 5 years old). Instead of increasing the dosage, the companies are now testing three doses for its 3-microgram COVID-19 vaccine in kids aged 6 months to 5 years old. According to a statement released by the companies on December 17, the third dose will be given at least two months after the second dose.

“If the three-dose study is successful, Pfizer and BioNTech expect to submit data to regulators to support an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for children 6 months to under 5 years of age in the first half of 2022,” the statement says. They will also test a third dose of 10 micrograms in kids aged 5 to 11, as well as a third dose of 10 micrograms or 30 micrograms in study participants aged 12 to 17.

To learn more about the new timeline and read the full statement, visit Pfizer.com.