Taiwan inks new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine deal, approves use for children
ROC Central News Agency
04/28/2022 08:56 PM
Taipei, April 28 (CNA) Taiwan has signed a deal to purchase about 4 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the vaccine for children aged 5-11, Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) said on Thursday.
The deal, signed Thursday afternoon, consists of 1.8 million doses for adults and 2.2 million doses for children, Chen told reporters, adding that he hopes the first shipment will arrive by mid-May.
Chen also said the FDA has decided to authorize the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11.
The FDA recommended that children aged 5-11 receive two doses of the vaccine at least 21 days apart, though Taiwan will implement an interval of at least 12 weeks, in line with the Moderna vaccine's use in children aged 6-11, Chen said.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5-11 contains 10 micrograms of mRNA, compared to 30 micrograms for older children and adults, and also contains a different buffer.
The rollout of the Moderna vaccine for children aged 6-11 is expected to begin on May 2.
CECC spokesperson Chuang Jen-hsiang (莊人祥) said whether children can receive one dose of the Moderna vaccine and one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be discussed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
(By Chiang Yi-ching)
Enditem/AW
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