CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Scientists created the COVID-19 vaccines in record time, so why is it taking so long to get a COVID-19 shot for kids?
Let's connect the dots.
The biggest challenge is figuring out the right dosage for kids. Different age groups likely need different doses and that's time-consuming. Pfizer and Moderna are both in the middle of clinical trials and they still need to analyze all their data.
Experts say that could take up to six months, which is three times longer than they took with the other COVID-19 vaccines. Plus, the FDA does its own deep dive before issuing an emergency approval.
Officials will look at individual reports from every single child in the trials to ensure the vaccine is safe before giving it any authorization. Experts estimate a vaccine for kids age 5 to 11 could be ready by early winter. Currently, the vaccine is only available for kids who are at least 12.
As of Aug. 27, Biden administration officials said that half of the eligible adolescents had received at least their first vaccine.
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