FDA panel gives thumbs-up to COVID shots for kids under 5

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - COVID-19 shots for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in the U.S. have moved a step closer.

A committee of FDA vaccine advisers on Wednesday gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the littlest kids.

The outside experts voted unanimously that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks for children under 5, that’s roughly 18 million youngsters.

If all the regulatory steps are cleared, they could be given to kids next week.

President of the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Dr. Becca Bell says they will look at the decision, but do support kids getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

She says the risks and benefits of young kids getting vaccinated are being heavily weighed.

“We’ve been vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds since the fall. And the safety data and those age groups are very, very good. We don’t expect there to be any new safety issues in children under five years of age. But we will take a close look at that safety data. And I do want to reassure parents that when the FDA and the CDC and medical providers are looking at this, this question about children getting vaccinated, we’re looking really at this age group,” Bell said.

Dr. Bell says parents shouldn’t call to schedule a vaccine appointment just yet, but if approved, the shots would be given at doctors’ offices.

Even if your child already had COVID, it’s still recommended they get vaccinated.

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