United States Food and Drug Administration is considering allowing COVID-19 vaccinations for yet another age group. Those between ages 5 and 11 are likely to soon get their shots against the deadly disease.

So far, individuals who are over the age of 12 are eligible to get vaccinations against COVID-19, however, only those produced by Pfizer. The pharmaceutical giant asked the United States government Thursday to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 in what would be a major expansion that could combat an alarming rise in serious infections in youngsters and help schools stay open. 

Why do younger kids need a vaccine?

Even the COVID-19 has been known to trigger severe symptoms in older people when compared to youngsters, there have been a series of cases that have impacted children. According to reports from Associated Press citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, the disease has killed at least 520 children in the United States. 

Moreover, the threat of coronavirus’ Delta variant has unleashed new concerns. The variant has recorded a jump in infections in America.

When can we expect the vaccinations to begin for those under 12?

The availability of vaccines for those between the ages 5 and 12 will need to cross two federal hurdles. First the United States Food and Drug Administration would need to clear the Pfizer shot followed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The FDA is expected to debate Pfizer’s case on October 26. If cleared, the CDC will make the final call. Peter Marks, who is the vaccine chief for the FDA said the agency would decide “hopefully within a matter of weeks” after Pfizer submitted its data, according to reports from Associated Press.

Would younger kids get the same dose as teens and adults?

No. Pfizer aims to give 5- to 11-year-olds one-third of the dose that’s given to everyone 12 and older.

What is the evidence the kid-sized shots work?

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers in this age group, giving two-thirds vaccine and the rest dummy shots. The company says vaccinated 5- to 11-year-olds developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels that were as strong as what teenagers and young adults get after the regular-strength shots.