According to an article published in Independent Biotechnology company Moderna has begun testing its coronavirus vaccine on children as young as 12.
The clinical trials will enroll 3,000 volunteers between the ages of 12 and 18.
Trail procedure
The trials will be held in six states, according to a posting on clinicaltrials.gov. The states include Idaho, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.
The clinical trials will enroll 3,000 volunteers between the ages of 12 and 18.
Federal officials said it is important that the vaccine is tested on children and teens prior to its widespread distribution in 2021.
Waiting for approval
Both Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines are awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA is expected to meet on 10 December to discuss the drugs.
UK health authorities approved the vaccine for use on Wednesday.
About the Vaccine
Pfizer’s vaccine is said to be 95 per cent effective. Moderna’s is reported to be 94 per cent effective.
Both shots require a second dose. For those who receive Pfizer’s shot, the second dose will be administered three weeks later. For those receiving Moderna’s shot, the second dose will come four weeks later.
Priority Access to the Drug
After health care workers and elderly individuals living in nursing homes receive the vaccine, the CDC recommends essential workers receive priority in getting the shot.
That would include food and agricultural workers, law enforcement, educators, transportation workers and emergency response workers.
Individual states will have the flexibility to determine if special groups of workers can be included in the essential worker category to receive priority access to the drug.
After that, immunocompromised adults and adults over the age of 65 will be prioritised.
The general public is expected to have access to the vaccine by May or June of 2021.
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Source: Independent
