Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11; first shots by end-2021

SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has prolonged the authorisation of the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged between 5 and 11, with inoculations set to start earlier than the tip of the yr.“The vaccination regimen is to be administered as a two-dose primary series, 21 days apart, but given at a lower dose (10 microgrammes) than that used for individuals aged 12 years and above (30 microgrammes),” HSA mentioned in a information launch late on Friday (Dec 10).This is the first time {that a} COVID-19 vaccine has been authorised in Singapore for use within the 5 to 11 age group.“HSA has conducted a thorough evaluation of the data in consultation with two groups of experts from HSA’s Medicines Advisory Committee and Panel of Infectious Diseases Experts,” the company mentioned.“Based on the current available data, the benefits outweighed the risks for use in the young population, and the vaccine met the quality, safety and efficacy standards.”The Ministry of Health (MOH) mentioned that the multi-ministry activity pressure had accepted the advice by the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination to use the paediatric doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine for children aged between 5 and 11.The committee additionally assessed that the advantages of the jab outweigh the dangers when utilized in a paediatric dosage for children aged 5 to 11, "especially given ongoing community transmission and the emergence of the Omicron variant", MOH mentioned.(*5*) the ministry added.MOH mentioned {that a} new provide settlement with Pfizer-BioNTech for the vaccine had been signed, and the ministry expects the cargo to arrive earlier than the tip of December."MOH will work with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to roll out vaccinations for this school-going age group," it mentioned, including that more particulars can be introduced by MOE and ECDA shortly.