Pfizer "Vaccine Approval for Ages 5-11 Possible as Early as This Fall"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Pfizer is expected to receive emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 as early as late this year.

Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and a member of Pfizer's board, said in an interview with CNBC on the 30th (local time), "Clinical trial results for the COVID-19 vaccine targeting children aged 5 to 11 are expected next month," indicating this outlook.

Pfizer plans to submit clinical trial data for children to the FDA next month and apply for emergency authorization in October.

Former Commissioner Gottlieb explained, "Considering that the review process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, approval is expected around late autumn to early winter."

He added, "If the highly contagious Delta variant spreads and increases infection rates among children, there could be pressure to approve the vaccine earlier."

Currently, Pfizer's vaccine has full approval for those aged 16 and older and emergency use authorization for adolescents aged 12 to 15.

In the U.S., demand for vaccinating children is rising with the start of the fall school term. The number of children hospitalized due to COVID-19 reached a record high of an average of 303 per day on the 22nd.

CNBC analyzed, "Allowing children returning to school to get vaccinated is an important step in combating COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.