Pfizer Covid vaccine approved for babies aged six months and older

Pfizer’s Covid vaccine has been approved for children in Australia aged between six months and five years old.

Pfizer’s Covid vaccine has been approved for children in Australia aged between six months and five years old.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) made the announcement on Thursday after Moderna’s jab was approved for youngsters in July.

“This paediatric vaccine is made in the same way as the vaccines for older persons; however, it contains a lower amount of active ingredient,” the statement read.

Pfizer’s Covid vaccine has been approved for babies as young as six months. Picture: iStock

The TGA said an ongoing clinical study in the US made up of more than 4500 participants clinched the decision.

“(The trial) demonstrated that the immune response to the vaccine was similar to that seen in children aged 5 to 12 years,” the TGA said.

“The study also showed that the safety profile in children was similar to that seen in adults, with observed side effects being mild.”

Pfizer’s Australia and New Zealand medical director Dr Krishan Thiru said children remained at a higher risk of catching a disease that if they contracted Covid.

“Today’s provisional approval is an important reminder for parents to speak to their healthcare professional about COVID-19 vaccination,” he said.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s earlier approval of the Moderna vaccine for children under five carried the advice that it should only be administered to at-risk youngsters.

Originally published as Pfizer Covid vaccine approved for babies aged six months and older