Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech Seeks Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 Vaccines in Children

Progress continues to be made in providing vaccinations against COVID-19 in pediatric populations, as last week Moderna and Pfizer-BionTech filed for emergency use authorization (EUA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their respective COVID-19 vaccines in children.  Moderna asked for approval for its vaccine in children 6 months to approximately 6 years old, whereas Pfizer-BionTech requested approval for use of a booster dose in children 5−11 years old.

Approval of the EUA for Moderna vaccine would be noteworthy as the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children younger than 5 years old. Authorization of the Pfizer-BionTech booster would be the first post-primary course dose to be approved in children.

Vaccination remains the best way for individuals to protect themselves from the most severe effects of COVID-19.  Visit the ACS COVID-19 Resource Center for more information about the importance of the vaccine for surgery patients, including resources on how to encourage patients to get vaccinated.