US FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines with New Age Group Restrictions

Doha: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration: approved updated COVID-19 vaccines today, but significantly narrowed their eligibility for a large segment of Americans, while also removing one of the vaccines previously available for young children. According to Qatar News Agency, the FDA approved the new vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for all elderly individuals. However, it restricted their use for younger adults and children, limiting eligibility to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. This move introduces new barriers for millions of Americans who will now need to prove they face health risks, as well as for many others who may wish to be vaccinated but are no longer eligible. Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine will no longer be available for any child under the age of five, following the FDA's announcement that it will revoke the emergency use authorization for this age group.