COVID-19 vaccine safe, effective in kids 6-11

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine generated a strong immune response in children and was generally well tolerated, the company announced Monday.

In its study, Moderna determined that children aged 6 to 11 years old, who were vaccinated with two 50 microgram doses, had 1.5 times higher antibody levels than those observed among vaccinated young adults.

The dosage used for the children is half of the 100 micrograms used for the initial two adult shots, but the same amount authorized for the booster shot.

With the vaccine, these children showed a “robust neutralizing antibody response” and a “favorable safety profile” consistent with adolescent and adult response, the company noted.

Most adverse events were considered mild or moderate, with the most prevalent symptoms being fatigue, headache, fever and injection site pain.

What’s next: The company said it plans to submit data to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulators, including in Europe, “in the near term.”

The announcement comes a day before an FDA advisory panel is scheduled to discuss data on Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds.