FDA authorizes updated COVID-19 vaccines for young children

The Food and Drug Administration today authorized the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use in children as young as 6 months old. Specifically, the agency authorized the Moderna vaccine as a single booster dose for children aged 6 months through 5 at least two months after primary vaccination, and the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 6 months through 4 who have not yet received the third primary series dose. Before providers can start administering the bivalent doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend them for these age groups.