An Egypt-born clinical research expert based in Washington DC appeared on “Good Morning Egypt” to discuss permitting the coronavirus vaccine for use on children. Ashraf el-Fiky said that the current age restrictions for the vaccine are in place because the early clinical trials were carried out on adult volunteers, as requested by the supervisory bodies for the safety of drugs. Fiky he said that the trials were carried out specifically on those who were at least 18 years of age. He explained that the 12-18 age groups will receive the same regimen of the vaccine that adults get, that is, two separate jabs. Fiky explained: “There are clinical trials currently being conducted on children from one year to 11 years old, and results are expected by the end of the summer.”Children younger than 12 will likely receive a weaker dose of the vaccine, he added.

Source: Egypt Independent May 19, 2021 12:43 UTC