Updated COVID-19 shots get FDA's OK

In a policy change, the agency is limiting access by some minors and young adults.

- BY MATTHEW PERRONE

REGULATORS removed authorization for Pfizer's COVID vaccine for use in children younger than 5.

U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots Wednesday but limited their use for many Americans and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children.

The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors. But the Food and Drug Administration narrowed their use for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. That presents new barriers to access for millions of Americans who would have to prove their risk and millions more who may want to be vaccinated and suddenly no longer qualify.

Additionally, Pfizer's vaccine will no longer be available for any child younger than 5, because the FDA said it was revoking the shot's emergency authorization for that age group.

Parents will still be able to seek out shots from Moderna, the other maker of mRNA vaccines, which has full FDA approval for children as young as 6 months. But the company's Spikevax vaccine is approved for only children with at least one serious health problem.

The revamped vaccines target a newer version of the continuously evolving virus and are set to begin shipping immediately. But it could be days or weeks before many Americans know whether they'll be able to get one, with access dependent on decisions by federal health advisors, private health insurers, pharmacies and state authorities.

The new restrictions previewed by FDA officials in May are a break from the previous U.S. policy, which recommended an annual COVID-19 shot for all Americans ages 6 months and older.