LOS ANGELES: Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said that preliminary clinical data shows their three-dose Covid-19 vaccine regimen is 80% effective for children aged from six months to five years old at preventing illness during the Omicron wave.

       The vaccine was found to elicit a strong immune response following a third dose, and was well-tolerated by children with a majority showing mild to moderate side effects, according to the companies, reported Xinhua.

       The safety data for the Pfizer vaccine is based on 1,678 children under five who received a third shot at least two months after the second dose when Omicron was the main variant in circulation.

       Children under age five receive 3μg (microgramme) shots, one-tenth the dosage for adults.

       "These topline safety, immunogenicity and efficacy data are encouraging, and we look forward to soon completing our submissions to regulators globally with the hope of making this vaccine available to younger children as quickly as possible, subject to regulatory authorisation," said Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla.

       Pfizer said it is preparing relevant documents and expect completing the submission process to the US Food and Drug Administration this week. – Bernama