ALL NEWS

Utah health experts believe younger kids could get the Pfizer vaccine around Halloween

Sep 20, 2021, 2:06 PM | Updated: 4:10 pm

FILE -- Heather Haworth, left, holds the hand of her 12-year-old son Jeremy as he receives the firs...

FILE -- Heather Haworth, left, holds the hand of her 12-year-old son Jeremy as he receives the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from medical assistant Gloria Urgell at Providence Edwards Lifesciences vaccination site in Santa Ana, Calif., Thursday, May 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Pfizer says the early results of their Phase2/3 study show that their vaccine for Covid-19 is safe for children between ages 5 and 11.

It said the two-dose vaccine is “safe, well-tolerated and showed robust neutralizing antibody responses” in children.

The study still needs to be peer-reviewed, then given to the FDA.

“Since July, pediatric cases of COVID-19 have risen by about 240 percent in the U.S. — underscoring the public health need for vaccination. These trial results provide a strong foundation for seeking authorization of our vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old, and we plan to submit them to the FDA and other regulators with urgency,” Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer, said in a statement.

Earlier this month, both the acting FDA Commissioner and the director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Research and Evaluation, said the FDA would review data for a vaccine for younger children “as quickly as possible, likely in a matter of weeks rather than months,” once it was submitted for authorization.

“What we are hearing is the emergency use authorization could be around the end of October. The FDA has to give authorization, then the CDC gives us guidance on how exactly to give it,” said Dr. Tamara Sheffield, Intermountain Healthcare medical director with community health and prevention.

Sheffield spoke on KSL’s Dave and Dujanovic Show about the timeline.

“We just have to make sure everyone is educated and knows how to do this. It should be end of October, beginning of November that it goes to your doctor’s office or your pharmacy to give to kids.”

The Utah Department of Health says they will be ready to distribute those doses when it’s time. They are waiting like everyone else for the go-ahead, and the recommendations and authorizations.

Sheffield said the younger kids will be given two doses, but each will be a third of the size of dose that’s given to people ages 12 and up.

“Young immune systems are great immune systems to get vaccinated because they respond and give the protection needed, but you don’t have to give as high a dose to get that,” she said.

She said a lower dose should also mean fewer side effects like fever, aches, and chills.

For those younger than five, Sheffield said vaccine approvals probably won’t come for several more months.


 


How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
  • Get a flu shot.
  • Get vaccinated.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A

Utah’s Coronavirus Information

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

Traffic moves on I-15 in Salt Lake City on Thursday, May 18, 2023. UDOT says we will see heavy traf...

Britt Johnson

Easter weekend and spring break will bring heavy traffic this weekend, UDOT predicts

Spring Break and Easter could team up this weekend to create some heavy traffic. 

31 minutes ago

"Burn Book," by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Sa...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Telling tales about tech bros

Kara Swisher’s new book paints an ugly picture of Silicon Valley.

2 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

2 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

2 hours ago

Defense attorney John Prior questions David Warwick during Chad Daybell's preliminary hearing in Fr...

Emma Keddington

Judge orders gag order for upcoming Chad Daybell case

Judge Steven Boyce has issued a gag order in the Chad Daybell case, after Daybell's attorney spoke with a media outlet.

2 hours ago

colorado river...

Adam Small

More than half of the Colorado River’s water is being used for farming, study finds

The Colorado River provides water to 40 million people in seven states, including Utah, as well as Mexico.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah health experts believe younger kids could get the Pfizer vaccine around Halloween