Moderna Begins Covid-19 Vaccine Tests on Children
Updated On Mar 17, 2021
Moderna Inc has commenced dosing patients of mRNA-1273, its Covid-19 vaccine, on children aged six months to less than 12 years. Stéphane Bancel, CEO, Moderna stated that the company begins this Phase 2/3 study of mRNA-1273 in healthy children in the U.S. and Canada. He also thanked NIAID and BARDA for their collaboration. It must be noted that the study will assess the safety and effectiveness of two doses of mRNA-1273 given 28 days apart. The study expects to enroll about 6,750 children in Canada and the U.S.
In Moderna’s study, each child will be given two shots at a difference of 28 days. There will be 2 parts of the study. In the first part, children 2 years of age to less than 12 years may get vaccinated two doses each of 50 or 100 micrograms. Children under the 2 years of age may get vaccinated 2 shots of 25, 50 or 100 micrograms. All the participants will be followed through a year after the second coronavirus vaccination.
It must be noted that the vaccine has already received emergency use authorization for Americans aged 18 years and older. In a different study that commenced in December 2020, Moderna is also testing mRNA-1273 in individuals between 12 and 18 years old. The latest study is being conducted in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Pfizer and Moderna started conducting clinical trials testing their vaccines in adolescents aged 12 years and older in the last year. Both trials have fully enrolled subjects with pending results. J&J is also planning to commence pediatric testing of its novel coronavirus vaccine.
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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
