Omicron-targeting bivalent COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in newborns as young as six months old, according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement on Thursday.
FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D, said more kids now have the chance to receive a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to update their protection against the virus.
FDA Approves Uncommon COVID-19 Vaccine For Babies
“We encourage parents and caregivers of those eligible to consider doing so, especially as we approach the holidays and winter months where more time will be spent indoors,” said Califf.
The more people who stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, the more benefit there will be for individuals, families, and public health by aiding in the prevention of serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths as this virus has changed and immunity from prior COVID-19 vaccinations wanes.
Children who have not yet begun the three-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination or who have not yet received the third dose will now get the bivalent booster following two doses of the initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Three days after Pfizer and BioNTech requested FDA approval to use their Omicron BA.4/BA.5-Adapted Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in an emergency situation, the decision was made.
Nearly 40 million Americans have received a booster dose of an updated vaccine, providing parents with an opportunity to better protect their young children against COVID-19, including illness brought on by Omicron sublineages, said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
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Health Officials Prepare For Holiday Season
As advised by public health authorities,” it is crucial that we all continue to do our part to protect ourselves by getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, especially as we prepare to gather for the holidays and enter the winter season.”
Pfizer’s original Covid vaccination is already permitted to be administered to preschool-aged children in three extra-small doses as opposed to the usual two doses for adults.
As their third and last shot, they will receive the Omicron-specific booster, which is produced by either Pfizer or Moderna. Officials advise giving children the bivalent shot from the same manufacturer as their first two vaccinations.
Therefore, the Pfizer bivalent vaccine should be given to a child who has already received the Pfizer vaccination for its first two doses.
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