Pfizer vaccine in children under 5 years of age: what is known?
The Pfizer vaccine (BioNTech, Comirnaty), was made for the purpose of combating COVID-19, currently approved by the FDA.
However, with the appearance and variants of the same virus, a third dose is currently called for. In turn, initially the vaccine was allowed from 16 years onwards (18 years in some countries).
But over time and as the pandemic progresses, they have developed vaccines for children under 12 years of age.
From what age do you allow children and adolescents to be vaccinated?
After a time, vaccination was authorized in children from 5 to 11 years old and in adolescents from 12 years old and older. In general, the scheme provides two doses and, in special cases, a booster dose.
The National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) was in charge of authorizing Pfizer vaccines in children between the ages of 5 and 11 years. After several studies and investigations, they managed to establish that panorama.
However, there are places where it is still not allowed to vaccinate children under 16 years of age, due to the lack of the correct pediatric formulation. Therefore, in order not to put minors at risk, they are not authorized to be immunized until they have, at least, the appropriate formula.
Will they allow children under 5 years of age to be vaccinated with Pfizer?
Until now, a prompt response from the FDA is expected for the authorization of vaccines for children under 5 years of age . In such a case, they would be authorized first in the United States and would be focused on children from 6 months to 5 years of age.
Until now, the only vaccine allowed in children from 11 years to 3 years is Sinopharm, developed in China. However, it is expected that, in a matter of a short time, the FDA will issue a statement that expands the options to be used.
Why is the authorization for children under 5 years of age relevant?
Children have been affected more than imagined, if authorization is not obtained soon it could be a disaster. Due to the variants of the virus presented, hospitalizations in children under 5 years of age are more frequent.
Therefore, it is necessary to have adequate prevention and combat this virus, including the smallest ones.
Thus, two doses will be necessary to vaccinate 6-month-old children and be able to provide protection against COVID-19 in any presentation. It is understood that, in this month of February, some people belonging to the advisory committee of the FDA they will meet.
All this with the purpose of reviewing what is necessary to decide whether to grant the expected permission.
Differences between vaccine for adults and for children
Firstly, they differ in their concentration, since the vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years contains a spectrum of 10 micrograms. In contrast, the dose for adolescents and adults contains 30 micrograms.
In turn, in children under 11 years of age, it uses a different "shock absorber", this so that it remains at a good temperature, that is, refrigerated. Thanks to this, you will be able to keep it for a longer time compared to the one used in adults.
The two doses are necessary in both cases, but the third in adolescents and adults is mandatory. While in children from 5 to 11 years old it would vary, that is, it will depend on the cases.
Which children cannot get the Pfizer vaccine?
The vaccine is not allowed for children with references to some type of allergic reaction to some of the ingredients it contains. Therefore, it is important to investigate the components before giving the vaccine to children from 5 years of age.
Do children have symptoms after administration of the vaccine?
Just like adults, children can have a variety of symptoms. Some of them such as: fatigue, headache, cough, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, joint pain, fever, among other symptoms.
All this can be short or long term, so it is necessary to shelter the child for a certain number of days at home.
Is the vaccine really safe for children?
Before authorizing any type of vaccine for a given population, it must go through tests and studies, to finally verify its efficacy and safety.
The vaccine itself is safe, side effects are controlled, and they are usually mild. Being the most common: pain in the vaccinated area, fatigue, headache, body pain, fever, swollen glands, nausea, among others.
On the other hand, it was approved in 132 countries, such as: United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Australia, etc.
It should be taken into account that each country decides the ways to place the vaccines or the strategies that will be carried out. Of course, as long as they are governed by the recommendations given and steps to follow according to each age and specific vaccine.
Is it important to vaccinate children?
Most children can contract the virus asymptomatically, which tends to generate a feeling of trust or a sense of being protected. On the contrary, they are really being affected just as much as adults.
In hindsight, yes, it is extremely important to vaccinate the little ones in the house. Not only for their individual protection and well-being, but also for those around them.
In addition to preventing COVID, vaccinating children will also help prevent multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). One of the most feared complications and triggered by the pandemic virus as such.
Given this, from the point of view of public health, the Pfizer vaccine is an effective tool for the prevention of these conditions.