The EMA recommends that Pfizer’s vaccine can be given as three doses to children aged six months to four years, while Moderna can be given as two doses to children between six months and five years. The agency emphasizes that the vaccine doses for the youngest children are smaller than for children aged five and over. The corona vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have already been approved by the EMA for children aged five and six respectively. Only vulnerable children The EU inspectorate has therefore opened the door for all children from six months to receive these vaccines. But in Norway, people have been relatively reluctant to vaccinate children against corona, because they tolerate covid-19 well. Until now, only children with serious underlying diseases aged 5–12 have been recommended for the corona vaccine in Norway, although it has been possible for others if there is a need, for example when travelling. Now it can also become relevant for even younger, vulnerable children. This applies to children with serious congenital neurological diseases, heart defects and others who tolerate respiratory infections poorly. It does not apply to very many children, explains Are Stuwitz Berg who is director of the department at the Institute of Public Health (FHI): Are Stuwitz Berg, director of the department at the Institute of Public Health Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB – But for the families this applies to, this will probably come as a great relief. That’s one less respiratory infection to worry about. At the same time, there are several other respiratory infections that are also dangerous for these vulnerable children, so it will not be completely worry-free. And these children should also be vaccinated against influenza. Have to wait a few days First the recommendation from EMA must be formally approved by the European Commission. It usually goes quickly. Approval by the Norwegian Medicines Agency for use in Norway also tends to be a relatively quick and automatic process, according to Stuwitz Berg. – Then we will work with the Association of Pediatricians to draw up guidelines for which children should receive the vaccine. To a large extent, it will probably be the same group of diseases in the older children that will also guide the vaccination of younger children. Then FHI must order the number of doses they believe is correct and get information out to relevant vaccinators. – It is probably getting the vaccine to Norway that will take the longest. But we are probably not talking for weeks, until the first vulnerable young children can receive the corona vaccine in Norway. A new corona wave is expected throughout the autumn Beyond the autumn, it is expected that more people in Norway will fall ill with the corona virus. There is already an increase in cases in countries such as Denmark, England and Italy. But how big the infection will be, FHI does not dare to predict. – Many have gone through the infection already. Most have also received several vaccine doses. The best advice we have is for everyone over 65 and those with underlying illnesses to take a booster dose.
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The EU has approved corona vaccines for children under six months – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
