FDA grants EUA for Pfizer vaccine for kids 5 to 11 years old

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old.

FDA director general Dr. Eric Domingo stated that it is reasonable to believe the vaccine is effective and its benefits outweigh potential risks, highlighting its efficacy rate exceeding 90% for this age group.

However, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that the vaccination program for this age group is not yet open as the government still needs to procure the specific Pfizer vaccines with a lower concentration and dose intended for children.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also mentioned that guidelines for the administration of these vaccines have yet to be released.

The government aims to start the vaccination for this age group by January next year, depending on the procurement and readiness of supplies.