Summary
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for seniors but has limited their use for younger people to those with serious health conditions. The restriction applies to children too, and only Moderna’s vaccine is available for young children with health issues, while Pfizer’s vaccine for children under five has been pulled. These changes mean limited access to COVID-19 vaccinations for many Americans.
Key Facts
- FDA approved new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for seniors.
- Younger adults and children can only get the new vaccines if they have serious health conditions.
- Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is no longer available for children under five years old.
- Moderna’s vaccine is approved for children as young as six months, but only those with health problems.
- The policy change marks a shift from the previous U.S. strategy of recommending annual COVID-19 shots for everyone over six months old.
- The Novavax vaccine is only available for people aged 12 and older under similar risk-based restrictions.
- The changes could cause confusion and create barriers for many trying to access vaccination.
- Insurers and medical groups are expected to play a role in determining vaccine access.
