Despite Moderna’s lack of participants for the trial, pediatricians expect vaccines for adolescents to be authorized sometime this year. Younger children, however, may have much longer to wait. Regarding trials for children under 12, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told Business Insider in January, “We have to age de-escalate and start at a lower dose. So we should not anticipate clinical data in 2021.”
Once trials are completed and the information is available, the AAP will review it and make vaccine recommendations for children and adolescents. Based upon the current pace of research, it may be possible to have a vaccine for some age groups of children and adolescents before the 2021-22 school year begins.
Health authorities, including the CDC and the AAP, will recommend when and how children should receive the vaccine. State governments will to determine which if the COVID vaccine will be required for school entry. Those decisions could vary by state.
If your children are age 15 and under, continue to check the links below for information on when your child may be vaccinated. Until such time, continue to exercise the measures the CDC has in place to help prevent the spread of COVID 19.
COVID-19 (HealthyChildren.org)
Children and COVID-19: State-Level Data Report
COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions (AAP.org)
Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination in Children and Adolescents