COVID-19 Vaccines Likely for Infants Aged 6 Months to 4 Years...Health Authorities Confirm "Safety Verified"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byun Seon-jin] It is expected that COVID-19 vaccination will become available for infants and toddlers in South Korea.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team (Promotion Team) announced on the 12th that "400,000 doses of Pfizer monovalent vaccine for infants and toddlers (aged 6 months to 4 years) will be introduced into the country this afternoon through Incheon International Airport." The minimum age for vaccination currently administered domestically is 5 years old, but vaccination for younger infants and toddlers will now begin.

The Pfizer vaccine for infants and toddlers has already been conditionally approved or granted emergency use authorization in the United States and Europe in June and October of last year, respectively, and is being administered.

In South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved the product in November last year. Clinical trials conducted on 4,526 infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 4 years in the United States showed no significant difference in safety between the vaccination group of 3,013 who received three doses and the placebo group of 1,513. The product name is 'Comirnaty 0.1 mg/mL,' and the dose per administration is one-tenth of that given to those aged 12 and older.

The Promotion Team stated that the use of the Pfizer vaccine for infants and toddlers will be discussed at expert advisory meetings and the Vaccination Specialist Committee, and the results will be announced as soon as possible.