Pfizer Applies For The Use Of Its Vaccine For Children Under 5 In Japan
US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has asked Japan's health ministry to allow the use of its coronavirus vaccine for children younger than five.
The company on Thursday applied for authorization for the vaccine to cover children from six months through four years old.
If approved, the Pfizer vaccine would become the first vaccine available in Japan for that age group. Currently, its vaccine is available for those age five or older.
Pfizer says the young children would require three shots, each containing 10 percent of the dose for adults.
The health ministry says it will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for young children based on data collected from clinical trials conducted overseas.
Among other coronavirus vaccines officially approved in Japan, one developed by Moderna is available for those age 12 or older.
Another one, from AstraZeneca, has been authorized for use for people 40 or older.
Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children from six months through four years of age, and the Moderna product for those from six months through five years of age.