FDA finds kid-sized Pfizer dose highly effective against COVID-19 in children ages 5-11

Food and Drug Administration researchers found the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be highly effective at protecting kids from COVID-19 – as federal regulators inch closer to greenlighting child-sized doses for 5-11 year-olds.

FDA researchers concluded in a study shared Friday that the Pfizer vaccine’s benefits in preventing hospitalizations and deaths “would clearly outweigh” any serious side effects in children.

The study was posted ahead of next week’s public meeting with a panel of outside expert advisers who will meet on Tuesday to advise the agency before it decides whether or not to authorize the Pfizer vax for children.

The shot is already authorized for all individuals over the age of 12, however, the expansion has been anticipated as students have returned to classrooms and holiday travel looms.

If authorized, the CDC will conduct its own review and make recommendations of whom should receive the shots in the first week of November.