The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today gave the thumbs-up to the emergency use of Pfizer COVID-19 boosters in kids ages 5 through 11, as the country's cases and hospitalizations show more signs of rises.At the global level, the World Health Organization (WHO) today weighed in on booster doses of mRNA vaccine against as cases rise in four global regions.CDC to consider FDA booster recommendationIn amending its earlier emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the FDA today authorized the use of a single booster in children ages 5 through 11 at least 5 months after completing the primary two-dose series.In a statement, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, said though COVID-19 is typically less severe in children than adults, the Omicron surge came with higher numbers of illnesses, hospitalizations, and long-term effects from the disease in youngsters.
He added that vaccination is still a strong hedge against severe consequences, and he urged parents to ensure that kids get their primary series.Also, Peter Marks, MD, PhD, who directs the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said emerging data show vaccine effectiveness wanes after the second dose in all authorized populations and that the benefits of a booster dose in younger kids outweighs potential risks. "A booster dose can help provide continued protection against COVID-19 in this and older age groups," he said.Before the booster doses roll out in the 5- to 11-year-old age-group, vaccine advisors for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) need to make a formal recommendation.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is slated to meet on May 19, presumably to consider the booster dose