COVID-19: Switzerland approves Pfizer vaccine for children aged between 5 and 11 years

Swiss surveillance authority for medicines and medical devices has approved use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged between 5 to 11 years, reported Sputnik. According to statement released by Swiss Agency for rapeutic Products, clinical trial results show that vaccination is safe and effective in this age group. approval came merely two days after independent scientific Swissmedic visory body HMEC (Human Medicines Expert Committee) supported decision of Swissmedic after a closed-door meeting of more than 6 hours.

As per recommendation from scientific group, vaccine will be given in two doses within an interval of three weeks. " COVID-19 vaccine for children is given in two doses of 10 micrograms with an interval of three weeks. This corresponds to a third of dose for olescents and ults. This means that children in Switzerland from age of 5 can be vaccinated against new of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in accordance with updated vaccination recommendations of federal government," re statement released on December 10.

" dosage is lower than for those over 12: inste of 30 micrograms of mRNA, one dose contains ten micrograms (0.2 ml.)," ded statement.

None of 1500 participants experienced side-effects: Report

According to American pharmaceutical company, vaccine for 5-11 years is less concentrated and has been formulated differently and refore it can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for up to ten weeks. According to Swissmedic, pharma company got approval after it found that none of1,500 participants in trial suffered any serious implications. However, it included common side effects such as pain at injection site, tiredness, and more rarely heache, joint pain or fever. It noted side effects lasted for a short time and were a little more frequent after second dose. 

It is worth mentioning Switzerland approved authorisation of vaccine over 18 years days after US ministration h approved. As per Swiss health ministry, over 66% of population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and mostly got jabs of Pfizer.  

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