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Timeline to develop coronavirus vaccines for young children uncertain, doctors say

ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 1 million children have been infected with the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic.

The cases are climbing in Florida and across the country.

While the clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines are promising, that vaccines will not be going to young children.

Watch: Coronavirus: Pfizer says vaccine 95% effective in final analysis of clinical trial

Doctors said once there is enough data showing new COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, then trials in children can get underway. Several pediatricians have had to explain that to parents.

A lot of them were under the impression that the vaccine that is showing these promising results would be good for them and for their children, but that’s not the case.

According to recent reports, COVID-19 vaccine trials are turning out safe and with effective results. Results, though, are primarily for adults.

“The children are not in the picture yet,” said Dr. Nora Bolanos, with My Kids’ Doctor Pediatrics.

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Young children are not in the trials right now, so will they be able to get that vaccine once available?

“I’ve had that question,” said Orlando pediatrician Dr. Candice Jones. “And I’ve had to say, ‘Hold on. It’s not, it’s not going to be for children initially.’”

Children have different immune systems, so doctors say the dosage will be different for them.

Watch: Early trial results show Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is 94% effective

Right now, Pfizer is the only company allowing minors into their vaccine trial. They enrolled 100 participants age 12 to 15.

But what about the younger kids? Well, there is a vaccine trial being done on infants.

“They’re between three and four months of age,” Bolanos said. “But they’re infant monkeys. While helpful, it’s still not a human trial.”

Watch: Coronavirus: FDA approves 1st self-test COVID-19 kit for home use

Doctors from the American Academy of Pediatrics said a human trial to develop a COVID-19 vaccine for children needs to start soon.

See the full report in the video above.

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