Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. –Pfizer is looking to get authorization for kids ages 5- 11. Once it's authorized, one parent tells ABC57, he still wouldn’t get his kids vaccinated, even though he already got the shot.

“No, and the reason why is, just because it's authorized, doesn’t mean it's safe. I’m an adult and my immune system is built, it’s fully built, a five to 11-year-old, they’re just getting started,” South Bend resident Charles White said.

Pfizer announced Monday, its COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be safe and effective for kids ages 5 to 11 using one-third of the adult dose. The company plans to seek emergency use authorization from the FDA in the coming weeks and it could help put an end to the rapidly spreading delta variant.

“Everyone will be more protected if we get that age group vaccinated and protected by the vaccine,” Dr. James Harris, the Medical Director of South Bend Clinic Center for Research said

Dr. Harris said a vaccine for younger children, is a significant development in the right direction. The Pfizer vaccine are already approved for people 12 and older, and with more kids going back to schools, classrooms are becoming coronavirus transmission zones.

“These kids spread it to each other, and these kids take it home to their parents and grandparents, so those more vulnerable are more susceptible because the kids are exposed as well,” Dr. Harris said.

The vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 years old, could be approved as soon as next month. Pfizer’s next clinical trial is underway for even younger children six months to five years old. Data on that should be available by the end of this year.