FDA Advisory Panel Endorses Pfizer’s Low-dose COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, a panel of vaccine experts endorsed a low-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot for children ages 5-11. Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must decide whether it agrees with the endorsement.

While the independent panel advises the FDA, its endorsement is nonbinding. However, the FDA often agrees with the panel’s decision.

“We don’t want children to be dying from COVID-19, even if it is far fewer children than adults, and we don’t want them in the ICU.”

Dr. Amanda Cohn, panelist

This latest announcement could potentially affect 28 million children ages 5-11. And, it comes at a time when some school districts have already announced vaccination mandates among eligible students.

What’s Next?

The FDA is expected to accept the panel’s endorsement within days. After that, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will make a final decision on the matter. If the CDC agrees with the FDA and independent panel’s vaccine endorsement, shots for children ages 5-11 could become available immediately.

The CDC is likely under pressure to make a quick decision, as millions of parents are dealing with the anxiety of their unvaccinated children learning together in person at schools.

Parents with children ages 5-11 should stay tuned for more vaccine guidance in the coming week or so. News is expected to come quickly, so stay tuned for more vaccine guidance from the CDC in the coming week or so.

In the meantime, individuals should review and plan for their area’s local COVID-19 vaccination requirements. For instance, some school-aged children might need to get a shot (once eligible) in order to attend in-person classes in 2022.