CARPHA Statement on Administration of Pfizer Vaccines to Children Aged Five to 11

(Caribbean Public Health Agency Press Release) The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) urges Ministries of Health to continue the rollout of their COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Although CARPHA recognises that uptake of the vaccine is critical to achieving maximum protection from severe disease and death in the Region, Dr. Rian Extavour, Programme Manager, CARPHA Caribbean Regulatory System (CARPHA-CRS) cautions Member States against the use of any adult formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years of age.

Dr. Extavour pointed out that there is an absence of information on testing of the phosphate-buffered saline formulation in children 5-11 years. Also of great concern, is the increased possibility of errors in administration with drawing up smaller volumes than 0.3mL which is the adult dose, from the adult formulation.