Expect vaccine decision for kids under 12 in fall, says Fauci

Americans can expect a decision on COVID vaccines for children in the fall, the country’s top infectious disease expert said on Sunday.

Regulators should have enough data in the coming weeks to decide whether to authorize shots for kids ages 5 to 11, Dr. Anthony Fauci told ABC’s “This Week.”

“Sometime in the next few weeks, as we get into October, we’ll be able to see the vaccines for children get enough data to be presented for safety and immunogenicity,” said Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized vaccine shots for those 12 and older. Around the country, Los Angeles schools have announced a vaccine requirement for eligible students 12 and up while other cities, including the Big Apple, are so far limiting vaccine requirements to teachers and staff.

Fauci also addressed the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to reject a plan to offer Pfizer booster shots to the general population. Instead, it recommended third jabs for those 65 and older, along with vulnerable people.

The White House previously announced a Sept. 20 target date for launching widespread booster shots.

“I don’t think they made a mistake,” Fauci told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “I am 80, and I’m an elderly person — certainly eligible. I will certainly get a booster.”