Pfizer and BioNTech are expected to submit a request for an emergency use authorization for their SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for small children, the Washington Post reports.
Currently, the companies' vaccine is approved for use in individuals 16 years old and older and is available under EUAs for children 5 years old and older as well as for adolescents. Children under the age of 5 years, though, have not been eligible for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
The Post notes Pfizer and BioNTech reported in December than two doses of its vaccine did not appear to trigger the needed immune response among children between 2 years and 4 years old. However, two vaccine doses did lead to an immune response among even younger children between 6 months of age and 2 years, it adds. The companies are testing a third dose among young children and will have data on that in March, which the Post says is expected to receive agency authorization.
In the meantime, though, the Post says the FDA has encouraged the companies to submit their two-shot data so the agency could begin its review. That way, children could begin their vaccine regimens quickly, it adds.