MFDS Grants Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 Updated Vaccine for Children Aged 5-11

COVID-19 updated vaccine stock photo. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 24th that it has granted emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 updated vaccine (BA.4/5 targeted) for children aged 5 to 11, 'Comirnaty 2-dose 0.1 mg/mL.'

This vaccine is a bivalent vaccine targeting the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant, intended as an additional dose for children aged 5 to 11. The emergency use authorization was discussed following a request from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for the introduction of this vaccine as part of the plan to expand additional vaccinations for COVID-19 prevention during the winter season.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held the 'Public Health Crisis Response Medical Product Safety Management and Supply Committee,' composed of experts, government officials, and private members recommended by academic societies, and concluded that emergency use authorization was appropriate.

The Ministry stated, "We will thoroughly manage the quality of the vaccine authorized for emergency use and make additional efforts to ensure safe use, including collecting information on side effects during its administration."

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