A: Dr. Fauci to cute kids: “Hang in there – coupla’ more months and we’ll be in good shape!”
We Nerdy Girls are big #faucifangirls. We’re also moms. So, when Dr. Fauci spoke to kids (and Elmo!) recently about COVID vaccines, we listened up!
Here’s the TL;DR on kids and COVID vaccine trials:
➡️ Safety first!
Following tradition, adults have gone first in trials – erring on the side of caution.
➡️ But now’s the moment
Pediatric medical societies are sufficiently confident in the adult safety data to call for kid-specific studies. Indeed, they’re strongly advocating for it.
➡️ Kids are not “little adults”
When it comes to immune system function, kids and adults can be quite different. Kid-specific data is needed, for example, to fine-tune the optimal dosage level and dosing schedule.
➡️ Older kids first, younger kids next.
A few trials now include older children (12+); a “step down” to younger children will likely begin early in the new year.
➡️ Timeline for shots in little arms? Experts hope for fall 2021.🤞
Fauci to kids: “Hopefully within a few months we’ll be able to tell you the vaccine is safe and effective in you, and we’re anxious to get you vaccinated.”
w/love,
Your Nerdy Girls
References:
Fauci takes cute kids’ questions on CNN (truly adorable)
Pediatric medical societies advocating that the time is right to study children:
American Academy of Pediactrics
The Wall Street Journal Article 1
The Wall Street Journal Article 2
Kid-specific dosaging, predicted fall 2021 timeline for shots in little arms, and other helpful background info about kids and COVID vaccine trials:
A few trials now include older kids (meet some of the amazing volunteers! The kids are alright.):
