The US FDA authorized two COVID 19 vaccines for children under five, opening the door to vaccinating 18 million kids in the country. CDC’s advisor recommended the vaccine on Saturday with Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director, signing the final documents. Dr. Walensky stated that her decision will bring relief to millions of parents and caregivers, who are eager to get their young children vaccinated. 

According to a CDC report, COVID 19 symptoms are generally milder in children, however, since March 2022, it has been the fifth leading cause of death in children aged 1-4 years. Meanwhile, it is ranked the fourth leading cause of death among children younger than one. Hence, the approval for jabs offered for younger children was based on certain criteria such as protection from hospitalization, reduced risk of fatality, and long-term complications. 

The FDA on Friday followed by CDC on Saturday, approved Pfizer and Moderna, vaccines using the same technology, but, offered at different dose sizes were approved. Pfizer vaccine is for children between six months to four years age group. The dosage size of the vaccine is 1/10th of the adult dose that will be administered in a three-shot regimen. Meanwhile, the Moderna vaccine is a two-shot jab with a dosage size of a quarter of its adult dose. Moderna is approved for children between six months to five years of age group including children having immune conditions. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/paternity-leave-among-recommendations-received-by-ncw-from-experts-on-maternity-benefit-act/92325552 )