Moderna, Inc. has announced that their COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax®, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children aged 6 months to 11 years who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. This supplemental approval follows the initial Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) that allowed Spikevax to be administered to children.
Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, emphasized the ongoing threat COVID-19 poses to children, particularly those with underlying health conditions. He stated that vaccination remains a vital strategy in safeguarding this vulnerable group against severe illness and hospitalization. Moderna anticipates making the updated vaccine available for eligible individuals in the U.S. by the 2025-2026 respiratory season.
Spikevax has already been approved for use in adults aged 65 and older, as well as in younger individuals at increased risk for COVID-19. This FDA approval reflects a significant step in enhancing public health measures for those most vulnerable.
Moderna’s innovative approach to mRNA technology positions the company at the forefront of vaccine development, illustrating the rapid advancements in medical science that protect public health. The company continues to focus on a wide range of challenges, including infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions.
As the world continues to navigate ongoing health challenges, Moderna’s efforts in expanding vaccine availability provide a hopeful outlook for the future of disease prevention, particularly for those at higher risk.