Currently, two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for use during the pandemic in the United States. High-risk groups such as elderly people and frontline health care workers are first in line to receive them, with other adults and teens likely to have access later in 2021. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can only be given to persons aged 16 or older, whereas the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can only be given to persons aged 18 or older.

What is the current status of COVID-19 vaccine research in children and adolescents?  

To date, Pfizer has enrolled children down to age 12. Moderna is about to start a similar study, as is Janssen. Astra Zeneca has approval to enroll children in the UK, ages 5-12, but has not yet enrolled any children in the US. The AAP anticipates that studies including younger children will begin soon (perhaps over the next couple of months).   

Will there be a vaccine available for children before the 2021-22 school year?  

This will depend on the results of the trials of the vaccine in adolescents and children that are planned or underway now. Based on the current pace of research, it is potentially achievable that there will be a vaccine for at least some age groups of children and adolescents before the 2021-22 school year begins. 

Will the vaccine be required for school entry?  

When a vaccine is shown to be safe and effective in children, health authorities, including the CDC and the AAP, will make recommendations on when and how children should receive the vaccine. However, it is a state government decision which vaccines are required for school entry. Those decisions could vary by state.

Information taken from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the AAP’s Healthy Children websites.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.