List Of Countries Who Have Approved COVID Vaccine for Children

Countries providing COVID Vaccine for Children: Since the beginning of the vaccine roll-out, most countries are adhering to giving vaccines first to elders and then adults. In order to prevent another wave of COVID-19, several countries like China and the US have started vaccinating children.

Dr Kate O'Brien; a paediatrician and Director of the WHO's vaccines department, said that, due to shortage of vaccine availability, immunising children should not be a priority as they are at very low risk of getting infected with COVID. Several studies from WHO and AIIMS claims that children possess high seropositivity, so they are at low risk of getting infected from the coronavirus during the third wave.

World Health Organization is urging countries to vaccinate the vulnerable people first; like elders who are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19. WHO has released the COVAX scheme, to make sure that every country gets fair and equitable access to vaccines.

Following are the countries that have approved COVID Vaccine for Children:

China - On June 5, China became the first country to approve giving COVID-19 vaccine to children as young as 3 years old, reported Bloomberg. They authorized the use of Sinovac Biotech Ltd's coronavirus vaccine for children.

The United States - In mid-May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved Pfizer's shot for children aged 12-15.

Canada - Early May, it approved the use of Pfizer's vaccine for children aged 12-15.

Singapore - From June 1, the country approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children in the age group of 12-18.

Japan - On May 28, the country approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and above.

U.K. - They approved the usage of Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12-15 years. In December 2020, the UK was the first nation to approve the emergency use of Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine for adults and minor-aged 16 to 18.

Dubai - In mid-may, the United Arab Emirates approved the shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use for children aged 12 to 15 years old. After that, on June 1, Dubai also started offering the vaccine to the same age group.

Israel - The country is reportedly going to start vaccinating children aged 12-15, from next week. Children who are at risk of developing severe symptoms from the coronavirus infection will be given first priority.

Chile -  the country approved the use of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine on May 31. It will be given to children lying in the age group of 12-16 years old.

Philippines - Children aged 12-15 will be given the shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The country gave a green light on May 26 for emergency use of the vaccine.

As more countries are aiming towards opening schools, they have started approving the rollout of vaccines for emergency use, especially for the children lying in the age group of 12-15. In India, there are currently no vaccines available for people aged less than 18. The Pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila has applied for Emergency Use Authorisation for children aged 12 years and above. It is waiting for its approval of the vaccine from the Drugs Controller General of India(DCGI). The company has already completed the third phase trial for its DNA COVID-19 vaccine. If the DCGI approves then the vaccine will be available to administer in children aged 12 and above.