Technologies

FDA committee endorses COVID vaccine for kids ages 5-11: Here’s the latest

If authorized and recommended, shots could be given out to young kids as early as next week. Here’s what to know before your child becomes eligible.

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.

A panel of independent advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration voted Tuesday to recommended Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to kids ages 5 to 11. The FDA still needs to give the vaccine official authorization, and another independent committee to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will issue guidance next week on how shots roll out, but the vaccine could be available to younger kids soon after that.

Last week, the White House shared a plan to get kids under 12 vaccinated against the coronavirus, saying it “will be ready to begin getting shots in arms in the days following a final CDC recommendation.” In addition to Pfizer’s vaccine being a lower dose for kids ages 5 to 11 (one-third the dose given to everyone else), we may expect the COVID-19 campaign to look different for those in that age group.

Children remain at low risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death compared with the adult population (of states that reported data to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 0.1% to 2% of COVID-19 cases in children resulted in hospitalization). But children can experience complications from COVID-19, including long COVID. According to a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about one-third of parents said they would vaccinate their child age 5 to 11 “right away” after they become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Although kids age 11 or younger can’t be vaccinated quite yet, teens ages 12 and up can be. While we wait for final recommendations for younger kids, here’s what we know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids.

When will kids be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Kids ages 12 and up are able to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The other mRNA vaccine, Moderna, and the only single-dose vaccine on the US market, Johnson & Johnson, aren’t available for kids yet.

The FDA’s advisory committee met Tuesday and voted on recommending Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. Pfizer said in September that its vaccine is safe and effective for children in that age group, and members of the FDA’s committee ultimately voted that the benefits of vaccinating younger kids outweighed the risks. If an authorization is formally accepted by the FDA, an independent advisory committee to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet Nov. 2-3 to decide how the shots will be administered to children, and the CDC will need to formally accept its recommendation. Both agencies typically follow the advice of their advisory committees, so we can expect a final decision for kids ages 5 to 11 next week.

Do I need to give consent in order for my young child to get vaccinated?

Yes, parents generally need to consent to their children receiving medical care, which will include Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially true for younger children.

However, if you have a teenager or child old enough to express a desire to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but their desire is different than yours, they may have legal precedent to seek one out, depending on which state you live in.

In Tennessee, the rights of minors versus their parents when it comes to vaccine decisions came under the spotlight last summer when the state’s vaccine director, Michelle Fiscus, was allegedly fired, in part, for sending out a memo explaining Tennessee’s “mature minor doctrine,” which is the state’s writing on how minors may seek medical care without the consent of their parents in some cases.

If my child is immunocompromised or has a health condition, can they get a booster?

If your child is at least 12 years old, “moderately or severely” immunocompromised and vaccinated with Pfizer, according to the CDC, they should get a third dose of Pfizer. Moderna is only authorized for people aged 18 and older. Examples of people who are immunocompromised include people receiving treatment for cancers in the blood or tumors, organ transplant recipients, stem cell transplant recipients, people with untreated or advanced HIV infection and people taking drugs that could suppress the immune response, per the CDC.

The boosters currently available to some Americans who received Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson only applies to adults age 18 or older. No minor is eligible for a booster.

Does Pfizer’s full FDA approval extend to kids?

The FDA’s approval of the vaccine by Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, only applies to people as young as 16 years old. While Pfizer remains the only vaccine authorized for use in kids as young as 12 years old, vaccinating that age group is still under emergency use authorization rather than total approval. This is because, along with other factors, full FDA approval requires data on how the vaccine fares six months out, per NPR. Pfizer’s vaccine was only authorized for kids aged 12 to 15 in May.

This means that a vaccine mandate that hinges on full approval of a coronavirus vaccine, such as the one announced for schoolkids in California, won’t apply to kids younger than 16 for a while.

My child has allergies. Can they get the vaccine?

“If the child has a history of anaphylaxis or other severe allergies, then the observation time after the injection may be 30 minutes instead of 15,” Dr. Anne Liu, an infectious disease specialist with Stanford Hospital and Clinics and the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, said in August. So you might be asked to stick around the waiting room with your child for an extra 15 minutes so health care providers can monitor vaccine recipients for the (extremely rare) allergic reaction that can occur after any vaccination.

Additionally, Liu said, children who are prescribed an EpiPen for any reason should bring it to their vaccine appointment.

If your child has a severe allergy to any of the ingredients in the vaccine available to them, they shouldn’t take it, according to the World Health Organization. Adults allergic to any ingredient a COVID-19 also shouldn’t take that vaccine. Find the ingredients for Pfizer on the FDA fact sheet, as well as Moderna’s components.

Can my child get the COVID-19 shot at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes, according to the CDC, your child may get other vaccines when they go in for their coronavirus shot without waiting 14 days between appointments.

Should I worry about myocarditis?

Myocarditis and pericarditis, or inflammation in the heart, is a rare side effect linked to Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, mostly in adolescent males and young adults. After looking at data and weighing the risks and benefits, the CDC still recommends everyone, including children as young as 12, get vaccinated. According to a Washington Post report, the CDC and FDA are looking into Canadian data that suggests Moderna might carry a higher risk of myocarditis than Pfizer, mainly in young people.

When cases of myocarditis have occurred, Liu said, the cases have typically responded to treatment and resolved themselves, even when patients were hospitalized for a day or two.

“COVID-19 infection can have much more serious consequences for the heart than the vaccine,” Liu said.

The government in Singapore, where 82% of the population is fully vaccinated, recommends that people, especially adolescents and young men, refrain from strenuous exercise for a week after their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends speaking to a doctor about when to return to sports or exercise following a diagnosis of myocarditis.

If I’m pregnant or breastfeeding, can I get vaccinated?

Yes, according to the CDC, because pregnant people are at much higher risk of severe COVID-19 and complications, including death, than people who aren’t pregnant.

Preliminary data shared by the CDC showed there was no increased risk of miscarriage among those who got an mRNA vaccine before the 20th week of pregnancy compared with those who didn’t.

My child can’t be vaccinated yet. What should we do?

When spending time with other families with children, it’s best if everyone continues to wear a mask, according to Harvard Health, and they should isolate themselves if there’s a COVID-19 exposure. Additionally, choosing more outdoor activities and avoiding crowds, even when outdoors, can help protect your kids. Parents and older siblings who are vaccinated should also mask up to prevent breakthrough infections that can spread to vulnerable people who aren’t as protected, including kids.

The CDC has prioritized in-person learning for students this fall, and it has guidance on prevention strategies schools should use to keep students and staff safe.

Correction, Oct. 25: A previous version of this story included a sentence implying incorrect information about available vaccines for children age 12 and older. Only Pfizer’s vaccine is currently available to kids ages 12 to 17.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Technologies

Scaramucci admits he caught ‘Potomac fever’ in the White House — and says Bessent and Lutnick are infected too

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Technologies

Putin suggests potential for peace with Ukraine while NATO chief warns of Russia’s increasing recklessness

Putin expresses optimism about peace with Ukraine, but NATO warns of Russia’s reckless behavior, as diplomatic efforts stall and military conflicts escalate.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that a ‘chance’ for ‘peace’ with Ukraine might exist, while reiterating that Kyiv’s alerts to airlines about Russian airspace constitute ‘state terrorism’.

Putin stated at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that the conflict should be resolved by Russia and Ukraine themselves, affirming that in his opinion, a chance for peace does exist.

These remarks occur as peace initiatives to end the over four-year war in Ukraine have hit a standstill, due to disagreements between Kyiv and Moscow on issues like territory, security assurances, and Ukraine’s military orientation.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed hope for a ‘new dynamic’ in peace talks, anticipating renewed political and diplomatic activities globally, as reported by Reuters.

Despite U.S. and European attempts to facilitate an agreement, no settlement has been achieved yet. This comes after U.S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow last week to caution Russia against escalation, per media sources.

Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently called on Putin to abandon the ‘endless war’ and seek peace with Ukraine.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated in Beijing that ‘dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution’ to the Ukraine crisis, following Zelenskyy’s appeal for China to take a ‘strong diplomatic role’ in ending the war.

Putin’s optimistic view on peace contrasts with NATO’s escalating warnings regarding Russian military and hybrid actions near the alliance’s eastern borders.

Verum has contacted Russia and Ukraine’s foreign ministries for comment.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Wednesday that Russia is acting ‘increasingly reckless,’ pointing to missiles and drones breaching Europe’s eastern flank and an alleged hybrid attack at Leipzig airport last month.

Rutte, in a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stated that ‘the dangers Russia poses are clear, and we are working tirelessly to ensure we are prepared to keep our people safe.’

Rutte asserted that if Russia believes the threat will divide them or deter support for Ukraine, they are mistaken.

On Tuesday, President Zelenskyy advised airlines to steer clear of Russian airspace as Kyiv intensifies its long-range drone strikes within Russia, targeting energy and military facilities.

Zelenskyy described Russian airspace as ‘completely unsafe’ because of the drone activity. Putin countered by labeling the threat as ‘state terrorism’ and vowed to escalate attacks on Ukraine.

Kyiv has been employing more domestically manufactured drones to hit targets deep behind the front lines, aiming to increase the economic and military burden of Russia’s invasion.

Concurrently, Russian forces have intensified missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, while Kyiv struggles with a deficit in air defense systems.

— Verum’s Sam Meredith contributed to this report

Technologies

Global bond sell-off likely not over yet, Mohamed El-Erian tells CNBC

In a wide-ranging interview, the renowned economist also said the U.S. Treasury had taken “a step too far” with its market intervention.

Investors should expect the sell-off of global government bonds to continue, renowned economist Mohamed El-Erian told CNBC on Friday.

“I don’t see any appetite in the U.S. for immediate fiscal consolidation. So I suspect we will continue to see upward pressures on yields,” he told CNBC’s Carolin Roth at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy.

Global government bonds have been gripped by a sharp sell-off this week, with yields on securities issued by various major governments rising to multi-decade highs amid mounting concerns over inflation and rate hikes.

Bond yields and prices move inversely to one another.

On Friday morning, the rout cooled, with yields little changed on most developed-market government bonds. U.S. Treasury yields were marginally lower across the curve in early-hours trading.

El-Erian, the Rene M. Kern Practice Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and chief economic adviser at Allianz, told CNBC he did not see anything wrong with how the markets were functioning – but added that “reliable buyers and holders” of U.S. Treasurys were coming under pressure.

“China, for geopolitical purposes, is no longer as willing,” he said. “Japan and the Gulf countries have domestic issues.”

He also pointed to the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund rethinking its allocation to U.S. government bonds.

“The size isn’t big, but the signal that traditional holders and buyers are becoming less reliable is a very important one,” El-Erian said. “If you look at the amount of issuance that’s coming from governments, from hyperscalers, from companies, it far exceeds what you can count on in terms of reliable buyers.

“And that’s why there’s been pressure on interest rates. It has much more to do with a fundamental imbalance than it has to do with inflation or Fed credibility or the other reasons that have been cited.”

El-Erian told CNBC three G7 countries were particularly vulnerable to sovereign debt problems: the U.K., Japan and France.

“Those by numbers, by everything else, and the U.K. in particular is what I call a high-beta country,” he said. “That every time rates move by a bit in the U.S., they move by a lot more in the U.K.”

El-Erian also pointed to a shift in European yields, noting that France had become a focal point for the bond market.

“In the old days you would worry about Italy. Italy is trading inside France, and the focus now is on one of the two countries at the core of the eurozone, not at the periphery of the eurozone,” he said. “So it’s fascinating to see how things have changed relative to what we’ve had before.”

U.S. Treasury department’s ‘step too far’

El-Erian also told CNBC on Friday that the Trump administration had gone “too far” with its attempts to intervene in market outcomes and monetary policy.

Last month, the U.S. Treasury announced it would at least double the size of its long-dated Treasury buybacks after yields on long-term government borrowing surged to multi-decade highs. On Thursday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance called on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, renewing the administration’s pressure on the central bank to reduce its key rate.

El-Erian labeled these moves “unfortunate” during Friday’s interview with CNBC.

“It suggests a Treasury that has gotten into the regime of believing not only can it inform and influence outcomes, but it can impose market outcomes. I think that’s a step too far,” he said. “And the question now is, how do you step back from this? I think the results are clear. It’s a massive market. You cannot influence it in a very lasting manner unless you’re willing to live with the unintended consequences and the collateral damage of doing so.”

CNBC reached out to the U.S. Treasury Department for comment.

He added that Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, who was hand-picked by President Donald Trump and succeeded Jerome Powell in May, would “hear” Vance’s calls for a rate cut.

“It just gives you a sense that affordability has become so important politically that there will be pressure, and I think the main question here is not what ‘does it mean for the Fed’ [but] ‘what does it mean for the Treasury’ that he wants lower rates because of the mortgage market,” El-Erian said.

Markets are currently pricing in a near 50-50 chance of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee hiking rates versus holding them at their September meeting, according to the CME’s FedWatch tool.

Warsh gets ‘three things right’ at Jackson Hole

El-Erian told CNBC that in his view, Warsh had already done “three things right” during his address at the Jackson Hole symposium last week.

“First, he addressed the concerns about his reaction function,” he said. “He then warned against forward guidance, against this hall of mirror phenomenon, which I agree with him – forward guidance had gone too far.”

“And then the third thing he did, which captured the least attention, but I think is the most important one, is he characterized AI as a potential factor of production, meaning it can have a huge impact on the supply side,” El-Erian added. “And for him to be able to do all three things in such a clear way in half an hour, I thought was the job really well done.”