Why Moderna’s FDA-authorized COVID shot for under 5s has edge over Pfizer’s [Updated]

Enlarge / Boston Medical Center Child Life Specialist Karlie Bittrich sees to a baby while in a pediatrics tent set up outside of Boston Medical Center in Boston on April 29, 2020. (credit: Getty | Boston Globe)

Update 6/18/2022, 3:34pm ET: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now recommended use of both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously earlier today to recommend both vaccines after a two-day meeting to review and discuss data on them. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky quickly signed off on their recommendation this afternoon, which is the last step in the regulatory process. Administration of both vaccines can now begin. Distribution has already begun and the vaccines should be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, health centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week, according to the CDC.

"We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can," Walensky said in a statement. "I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated."    

Update 6/17/2022, 9:25am ET:  Two COVID-19 vaccines for infants and young children ages 6 months to under 5 years are now authorized for use by the US Food and Drug Administration. The regulator issued the authorizations early Friday, following Wednesday's unanimous endorsements of the authorizations by the agency's committee of expert advisers.