Pfizer Begins Phase 1 of Pediatric Testing for their Coronavirus Vaccine

Researchers at Duke University have begun testing Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine in children under the age of 12. Yesterday the company said that at least 2 children have already received their first shot. It intends to enroll 144 children in Phase 1. During the first phase, the company will identify the preferred dosage level for three age groups: between 6 months to 2 years, 2 to 5, and 5 through 11 year olds. Participants will begin receiving a 10 microgram dose of the vaccine before moving to higher doses. Participants also have the option to take 30 microgram doses. The vaccine for adults requires two shots that contain 30 micrograms per dose. Researchers will then evaluate the dose levels in the next phase then administer a few placebos. Moderna announced last week that it started it’s pediatric vaccine trial on children in the U.S. and Canada ages 6 months to 11 years old. Johnson and Johnson also announced it’s intentions to begin trials on adolescents aged 12 to 18 before adding younger people into the trial. Public health officials and infectious disease experts say the U.S. is unlikely to achieve herd immunity until children can be vaccinated. Dr Anthony Fauci said the U.S. could begin vaccinating older kids against the virus this fall and elementary aged children may start getting the shot early next year.