FDA Should Authorize Moderna’s Vaccine for Ages 6 to 17, Advisers Say

A panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommended the agency expand use of Moderna Inc.’s Covid-19 vaccine to children ages 6 through 17. The advisory committee voted 22-0 on Tuesday that the benefits of vaccinating children in this age group outweigh the risks. The FDA will consider the vote in making a final decision on whether to clear the vaccine for use in children 6 years and older. “This vote is standing up for vulnerable populations that merit consideration in terms of protection against this virus,” said FDA committee member Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccines program at Boston Children’s Hospital. “I believe this will provide families an important option.”