Pfizer has filed an amended request with the Food and Drug Administration for Emergency Use Authorization to expand booster shots to all individuals aged 18 and older.
Pfizer currently has EUA to provide booster shots to specific groups of people, including those over age 65 and people aged 18 to 64 with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
The amended request, filed Nov. 9, is based on a trial of 10,000 individuals to determine the efficacy and safety of a booster shot. The company reported a 95% vaccine efficacy following the third dose compared to those who did not receive a booster.
MORE: FDA Approves COVID-19 Vaccinations for Younger Children
Once the FDA takes action, the next step would be for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue updated recommendations.
While Pfizer waits for a ruling, health care professionals are moving forward with vaccinating children aged five to 11.
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Georgia and South Carolina medical personnel have received doses of the Pfizer pediatric vaccine.
“As of Wednesday, Nov. 10, DPH placed orders for 223,100 doses of vaccine,” said Nancy Nydam with the Georgia Department of Public Health. “As of the same date, 20,656 five to 11-year-olds had received one dose.”
Augusta University Medical Center personnel received 1,200 doses on Nov. 11 and are preparing to begin vaccinations.
MORE: FDA Gives Emergency Authorization For Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shots
University Hospital and Doctors Hospital officials both say they do not anticipate providing pediatric doses at this time.
In South Carolina, the Department of Health and Environmental Control said it has received 150,000 doses for the younger children. It will order more as needed for the 436,000 children in the age group whose parents want their children vaccinated.
“Having five to 11-year-olds eligible for vaccination means that now all children in K through 12 schools are eligible for vaccination,” said Dr. Jonathan Knoche, DHEC medical consultant. “Being fully vaccinated does lead to a lower risk of perpetuating the spread of the virus. Those people do not have to quarantine if exposed. This is really significant. As we know, it’s really important for students to be in person in school safely.”
In Aiken County schools, there are currently 29 positive cases among students with 299 quarantined. There are fewer than five teachers who have tested positive or are in quarantine.
Richmond County’s latest report lists 18 positive students and 146 quarantined. There are two positive cases among employees and 12 who are quarantined.
Columbia County reports nine positive student cases and two positive employees. The school district does not release information on how many students and employees are quarantined.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
