A recommendation from the F.D.A. advisory panel could make the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available for 5- to 11-year-olds as early as next week.Credit…LM Otero/Associated Press
A key federal advisory committee is set to consider on Tuesday whether to recommend that a pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine be offered to 5- to 11-year-olds, setting in motion a string of decisions that could lead to children getting shots as early as the end of next week.
Federal officials hope that the pediatric dose can help close a major gap in the nation’s vaccine campaign that has worried parents, educators and public health leaders. If the Food and Drug Administration grants authorization, about 28 million children will become eligible for shots. Only the youngest, those under 5, would remain uncovered.
The F.D.A.’s advisory committee of experts will hear from officials at…
