Pfizer, Moderna seek approval of new COVID-19 boosters for children

Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve their updated coronavirus boosters for children.

The "bivalent" shots, like those that adults were able to start receiving this month, target both the original coronavirus and the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

Pfizer has asked the FDA for approval of its updated booster for children aged 5 to 11 years. Eligibility for itsbooster shotis for ages 12 years and older. Thecompanysaid Monday that it has begun a trial to test the vaccine for safety, tolerability, and effectiveness. That trial is in children aged 6 months to 11 years.

Meanwhile, Moderna is seeking approval of its booster for children aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Eligibility for its booster now starts at age 18 years. The companytweetedthat it plans to ask for approval for a booster for children aged 6 months through 5 years later this year.

People who have had their primary vaccine series and are at least age 12 years are now eligible for updated boosters, though those who have had the virus recently may want to wait for at least two to three months. Children younger than 12 years can still get the original booster shots now, but not the bivalent vaccines.

About 4.4 million adults and adolescents have received the approved new COVID-19 boosters as of last Thursday, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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