COVID-19 vaccines for kids under five may not come until next year.
Former FDA Chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb explains why.
"I think there is some
indication based on the experience with this vaccine where FDA asked for
additional information, as well as some feedback that Pfizer has gotten from
the agency, that the clinical trials in kids ages six months to two years, and then
two years to four years,” says Dr. Gottlieb.
Dr. Gottlieb went on to say, “So, it's two different trials, could be a
little bit larger than a little bit longer in terms of the follow up period
that's required. That could push it into 2022. Previously, we had talked about
trying to have that data available before the end of this year, which could
have prompted an authorization perhaps by the end of the year, at least in
kids, ages two to four. I think that it's more likely that it slips into the
first quarter of next year at the very least, but not too far into next
year."
The FDA’s independent
vaccine advisers will meet Oct. 26 to talk about vaccines for kids.