Pfizer set to present new data on COVID vaccines for young children

ORLANDO, Fla. — Pfizer is preparing to submit new COVID-19 vaccine data for children between six months and five years old.

Healthcare experts say vaccinating children in that age range is the key to getting COVID under control.

READ: Grandmother fatally shoots man who tried to break into her home

Currently, children under the age of five are the only group not yet eligible for the vaccine.

While some Central Florida parents say they’ve been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to get their child vaccinated, others are still on the fence.

Luisa Jimenaz is the mother of a two-year-old who says she’s ready for it.

“Yes, I will vaccinate my child,’ Jimenaz said. “I’m happy that the vaccination is coming to the little child.”

Pfizer’s data shows that its three-dose vaccine is 80-percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infection for children six months old to five years old.

Read: Monkeypox: What is it, how dangerous is it, should you be concerned?

Pfizer plans to submit the new data to the FDA this week.

If authorized, each shot will be one-tenth of the adult dose.

Kelly Clark has a three-year-old daughter in a local daycare. She says she’s considering the vaccine for her as well.

“I’m just all for safety,” Clark said. “But we’ve been in this for over two years. I respect everyone’s decision.”

Doctor Candice Jones, a pediatrician in Orlando, says the vaccine offers an extra layer of protection.

“Some protection is better than no protection,” Dr. Jones said. “So 80-percent effectiveness is good to prevent symptomatic or severe illness for your child in this age group. It’s better than not being vaccinated at all.”

Read: Orlando International Airport announces concessions offerings for new Terminal C

Vaccines for younger kids from both Pfizer and Moderna are expected to be authorized in June or July.

A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows about one-fifth of parents with children between six months and five years old plan to get their child vaccinated right away.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group