Question: So, have you considered trying to go “off label” to get your kiddo the Pfizer vaccine?

Answer: As many of you know, I am the mom of an 8-year-old and I plan to get him vaccinated as soon as the vaccine receives emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA.  In the meantime, we’ll do our best to keep him protected using other public health measures (masking, keeping social activities outside where possible, avoiding activities with large crowds, hanging with other vaccinated individuals/families).  I also take heart knowing that our school system is working hard to keep the kids protected as they return to the classroom– having vaccinated teachers and staff, requiring everyone to wear masks, improving ventilation systems, promoting frequent hand washing, etc.  I understand parents’ desires to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible, but in recognition that children’s bodies and immune systems are very different from those of adolescents and adults, I think it’s prudent to wait until the phase 2/3 clinical trial data are reviewed and analyzed– and FDA EUA received (estimating November/December, see Q&A of 4/26).  Dosing is one important example of why it’s prudent to wait.  As you may recall, the Pfizer dosage being tested in Phase 2/3 clinical trials is *much* lower (10 micrograms for kids ages 5-11 compared with 30 micrograms for those ages 12+, see Q&A of 7/19).  We need robust clinical trial data to understand vaccine efficacy, safety, and tolerability among children.  And I’m not alone in that assessment, last week the American Academy of Pediatrics also cautioned against off-label use of COVID vaccines among children.