COVID Vaccine Cleared for Small Children

The government has cleared a coronavirus vaccine for infants and toddlers.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Friday that it authorized the use of Comirnaty (Tozinameran) for children aged six months to four years. This is the first time that a coronavirus vaccine for children has been authorized in Korea.

The vaccine was given emergency authorization in the U.S. in June and in the EU last month. The first two doses are given at least three weeks apart, followed by a third dose at least eight weeks later.

The side effects reported so far are fatigue, diarrhea and loss of appetite. But most symptoms were light and there have been no reports of death, myocarditis or anaphylactic shock.

A ministry official said, "We determined the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine but will keep monitoring side effects as they are reported."

The ministry is expected to come up with a specific vaccination schedule for young children soon.