Latvia receives first batch of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 jabs for children

RIGA - Latvia has received the first batch of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines against Covid-19 for children, Health Minister Daniels Pavluts (Development/For) said on Twitter. 

The minister indicated that the jabs in vials with orange caps have arrived and that the vaccination of kids aged 5 to 11 will get under way the second half of this week. 

As reported, children in this age group will be immunized against Covid-19 with specially  a adjusted Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which is delivered in specially marked vials and contain a smaller dose of the vaccine. 

The health minister underlined that the vaccination of children should remain optional.

As reported, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has authorized Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for use in children aged 5 to 11 years. This is based on an assessment of the data from a study where the benefits of Covid-19 vaccination outweigh the risks. 3,082 children participated in the study.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against Covid-19 is already authorized in the EU for use in children aged 12 and older, as well as adults.