So far there is only one corona vaccine from Biontech for children and adolescents. Now a second manufacturer has applied for approval. The effectiveness of the vaccine should be 100 percent.
Amsterdam – After Biontech *, Moderna has now followed suit: The US pharmaceutical company has applied to the EU Medicines Agency (EMA) for approval of its corona vaccine for children and adolescents aged twelve and over. The company announced this on Monday. If the EMA voted positive, it would be the second vaccine approved for young people in the EU. So far, only the vaccine from Biontech / Pfizer is allowed to be administered to such young people in the EU. Moderna has an EU approval from 18 years of age.
Corona vaccine for adolescents: Moderna gives 100 percent effectiveness
The application is based on a phase 2/3 study with the Moderna vaccine called mRNA-1273 in 2,500 adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age in the USA, the company announced. The effectiveness was 100 percent. The safety and tolerability profile are the same as in the phase 3 study of adults, it said. The preparation is “generally well tolerated”.
Corona vaccination for children and adolescents: So far no Stiko recommendation
In Germany, the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) has not yet issued a general recommendation for vaccinating children and adolescents. The risk-benefit ratio of vaccination in young people is less clear than in the adult population. That is why the Stiko repeatedly expressed reservations about a broad vaccination campaign for children and adolescents. She also referred to possible vaccination risks, which are not yet exactly known.
The Stiko chairman Thomas Mertens said on Friday in the ZDF “Morgenmagazin”: “There is no general recommendation from Stiko for all healthy children to be expected.” Other Stiko members had recently made a similar statement. There was still a lack of data to accurately weigh the risk of Covid 19 disease in children against the possible risk of vaccination. A limited recommendation from Stiko is expected – for children with previous illnesses, for example.
But even without the recommendation of Stiko, children and adolescents from the age of twelve can be vaccinated against Corona in Germany since Monday (June 7, 2021).
For adults, the Moderna vaccine * has had conditional marketing authorization in the European Union since January 6th. He has now been injected millions of times. The EU Commission initially ordered 160 million doses of the preparation on behalf of the 27 member states. A second contract for up to 300 million more cans followed in February. (dpa / va)
