As COVID-19 vaccination drive for adults continues in full force, it is parents of kids under 12 years, who are still waiting anxiously for a vaccine.
But after waiting with bated breath for months, there is finally some promising trial data for vaccination for kids in this age bracket.
Pfizer and BioNTech on Monday (September 20) stated that trial results reveal that their coronavirus vaccine produced a robust immune response in kids aged 5 to 11 years.
The vaccine makers further added that they would soon seek regulatory approval.
Pfizer Vaccine Age Limit Is 12 Years Currently, And Latest Study Shows Vaccine Is Safe For Kids Aged 5 To 11
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As part of Phase II/III clinical trials, vaccinated kids in this age group developed a strong immune response, matching what was observed in 16 to 25 years.
Those who belonged to the age group of 5 to 11 years were given two shots of the 10-microgram dose of the vaccine. This is one-third the dose size given to people who are 12 and older.
This trial was aimed to measure the efficacy of the vaccine and mainly to determine the amount of antibodies triggered by the vaccine in kids.
Pfizer mentioned that it now plans to ask the US authorities for approval to use their vaccine on children in the specified age group.
The vaccine maker had earlier mentioned that the full data set will come by the end of this year.
Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore will then be able to consider giving approval for its use in the country.
Note, Pfizer vaccine age limit currently is 12 years and the latest study gives us hope that COVID-19 jabs for kids will soon be a reality!
Children Below 12 Years Account For 0.6% Of All Local Cases
According to September 14, more than 367 children in Singapore have been infected with the coronavirus. This includes 172 cases of those kids who contracted the Delta variant.
So, as per data, children below the age of 12 and below constituted for 0.6% of all local cases, with the majority aged between seven and 12.
Thankfully, none of them developed any severe illness requiring oxygen supplementation or intensive care.
Globally, as well, the scenario is the same. But this risk increases if the child is already suffering from an underlying medical issue.
Singapore Vaccination Status
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At present, only kids who are aged 12 and above can get their COVID-19 jabs.
At the beginning of this month, Minister Ong Ye Kung had said that vaccination for kids under the age group of 12 years will start in 2022. This is provided all the trials are concluded and approvals are met.
As Singapore reached 80 percent of its double vaccination rate, the Health Minister had further announced that confirmed last week that booster shots will be given to seniors citizens and those who are immunocompromised in the country.
The government said that one needs to be “mindful” of the rise in local infections. And the fact that more kids stand a chance to get infected.
Should I Vaccinate My Kid?
Medical experts have reiterated that vaccinating kids is necessary for the country to achieve herd immunity.
While the risk of coronavirus is less in children, but it may not be the case for everyone. They include kids with underlying medical conditions like obesity, asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes and others. So, keeping this in mind, it is important to get your kids vaccinated.
However, while jabs for kids may take some time, but don’t let your guards down. Maintain good hygiene, encourage your kids to wear masks while they are out and avoid crowded places!
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COVID-19 In Singapore: Parents Of Children Under 12 Wait Anxiously For Vaccine Approval
