Moderna asks FDA to authorize Covid vaccine for children under 6
NBCNov 26, 2021
The Facts
As had been expected, on Sat. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signed off on approvals for Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech's COVID vaccines for younger children. The final approval now makes ~20M children eligible for COVID vaccination across the US, with a major distribution rollout underway.
On Fri, the FDA approved emergency authorization for Moderna's vaccine covering kids 6 months-17 years, and Pfizer/BioNTech's latest approval for kids 6 months-4 years.
The Spin
Left narrative
It's been scary and frustrating for many parents who've been waiting for a COVID vaccine for their young kids. But the FDA needs to do due diligence on approvals. Hang in there.
Right narrative
Vaccinating children this young is ludicrous. COVID is much less severe in this age group, for which the risks associated with the vaccine far outweigh any potential benefits.
Progressive narrative
This is unethical. We should aim to reduce COVID deaths and hospitalizations globally, not just in wealthy countries. Until there are enough to go around, precious vaccines shouldn't be wasted on low-risk, healthy children, who may not even be important transmitters.
