The evaluation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is expected to be completed in December to extend the use of the BioNTech / Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5 to 11 years.
This was stated today, during a press conference, by the head of Coreper for the vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri.
M. Cavaleri clarified that for children from 5 to 11 years old, the dose of the vaccine corresponds to 1/3 of the total dose approved for adults. He added that Coreper assesses the benefits and risks of vaccinating children and that data and scientific studies show that, although to a much lesser extent than adults, children can also become seriously ill.
The head of Coreper also stressed the importance of fully vaccinating all people, as the number of COVID-19 cases is rising again in Europe. He noted that most EU member states have already started boosting doses for people at higher risk of coronavirus infection and transmission, adding that extending booster doses to the general population could be the next step.
Regarding the administration of booster doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine 6 months after the first dose, M. Cavaleri stressed that data from clinical trials are expected.
Regarding the coronavirus drug treatments, M. Cavaleri stated that eight treatments are under the evaluation of Coreper, five of which are at an advanced stage. At least 3 treatments are expected to be approved by the end of the year, perhaps before the end of November, he added.
Finally, when asked if the COVID19 vaccine should be recommended to pregnant women, M. Cavaleri answered in the affirmative, saying that it is clear that pregnant women are also at risk of contracting the disease, while a number of studies show that vaccines mRNA is also safe for pregnant women, especially when vaccinated during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
“We fully support and fully understand the decision of the Member States’ authorities to recommend the vaccination of pregnant women,” said the head of Coreper.
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