Moderna Seeks Emergency Use Authorization for COVID Vaccine for Children 6 Months to 5 Years

Moderna Seeks Emergency Use Authorization for COVID Vaccine for Children 6 Months to 5 Years

Moderna is seeking emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or its COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 5 years of age, according to reports. 

"We believe mRNA-1273 will be able to safely protect these children against SARS-CoV-2, which is so important in our continued fight against COVID-19, and will be especially welcomed by parents and caregivers," Stéphane Bancel, chief executive officer of Moderna, said in a statement.

Announcement Comes Following Trial 

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In late March, Moderna announced the results of a clinical trial that included 2,500 children ages 6 months through 24 months and 4,200 children ages 2 through 5. 

The company said that two 25-microgram doses of its vaccine led to a similar immune response in young children as two 100-microgram doses for adults ages 18 to 25, adding it should predict protection from COVID-19 and severe CO-19 down to 6 months of age.

“Why it matters,” writes Axios. “Young children have been largely unprotected throughout the pandemic. The FDA's approval could ultimately permit them to get a COVID-19 vaccine.”