Pfizer steps up clinical trials for children’s vaccine
Drug company Pfizer is pushing a COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old into Phase 2/3 clinical trials.
ABC News reports that based on successful Phase 1 trials, the jab for kids in that age range will contain 10 micrograms of vaccine each, which is one-third the potency the dose given to those 12 and over. Children 5 and under will receive 3 microgram shots.
Studies will reportedly monitor safety and side effects associated with the vaccine. Antibody response will also be tracked, so researchers know if the lower doses are effective against the coronavirus. Those test results are expected in September.
Leading Pfizer researcher Dr. Bill Gruber called the company’s approach to testing with children “deliberate and careful.”
Phase 2/3 test results for lower dose vaccines to treat children between the ages of six months and 2 years old are expected as early as October, a Pfizer spokesperson said. Testing for children in that age range is still in Phase 1.
Pfizer said as many as 4,500 subjects from the U.S., Spain, Finland and Poland are participating.
