By Staff Writers
In the U.S., COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to children the age of five and under. Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, according to experts, provide significant protection. At least 10 million doses had been obtained by the Biden Administration for this age group. Following the release of documentation supporting Pfizer three-dose COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna two-shot COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given these medications emergency use authorization (EUA) for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this weekend that the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for this age group, paving the way for vaccinations to begin this week.
According to recent data, both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are quite safe and effective. In preventing severe disease that can result in hospitalization and death for children 5 years and below. This is according to Alex Li, MD, pediatrician and Deputy Chief Medical Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the U.S.
Comparing the dosage and vaccination schedules of Pfizer and Moderna
Since adult doses would be inappropriate for young children, each manufacturer took a different strategy making its vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine contains 3 mcg, or one-tenth of an adult dose, and is administered three times over an eight (8) week period. The Moderna vaccine is 25 mcg, or one-quarter of an adult dose, and it’s given in two doses over a four (4) week period. Using the Pfizer vaccine, it takes 8 weeks for the child to be fully vaccinated. In the case of the Moderna vaccine, it takes only 4 weeks for the child to be fully vaccinated.
Comparing the Efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccine for Children
Data shows that the Pfizer vaccine is more effective than Moderna’s. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of about 76 percent in children aged 6 to 23 months. And about 82 percent in children aged 2 to 4 years, according to data from study trials. In the case of the Moderna, 51% of children between 6 and 23 months of age were protected from illness. Additionally, 37% of kids between the ages of 2 and 5 were protected from infection.
Do young children under the age of five need the COVID-19 vaccine?
A robust antibody response is produced by both Pfizer and Moderna. Diego Hijano, MD, a professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, emphasized that the immunizations guard against serious illness which can result in hospitalization or even death. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccination guard against multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS), an uncommon but potentially fatal side effect of COVID-19 in youngsters.
According to Matthew Harris, MD, medical director of the Northwell Health COVID-19 immunization program and a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine. The possibility of illness, the child missing school, transmission from children to high-risk adults all support the need to vaccinate children 5 years and below. He added that children of this age, and the unvaccinated made up the majority of new cases during the last Omicron surge. A lot of children needed hospitalization for breathing difficulties and dehydration. Dr. Ball advises that children with comorbidities including diabetes and suppressed immune systems need to be prioritized.
What are the Side Effects of Pfizer and Moderna COVID Vaccines for Children?
Dr. Ball continued that side effects, which include fevers and aching muscles, are typical of all immunizations. Given the lower dosage of the pediatric formulations. He noted, “in our experience immunizing older children, these adverse effects seem to be less widespread and/or less severe in children than adults. He confirmed that there were no myocarditis instances in this age range during clinical trials. Dr. Li highlighted that as a father, he would have no reluctance in advising parents to have their kids immunized. And I wouldn’t think twice about immunizing my kids, he added. “This will lessen COVID-19’s spread throughout the neighborhood.” Finally, experts agree that the side effects are mild and go away within a few days.
