Moderna begins testing its COVID-19 vaccine on children

In the first stage, researchers will test various doses of vaccine to see which works best.

Moderna Inc said it has begun delivering experimental doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to children as part of a study to determine whether it is safe and effective in those as young as six months. The trial aims to enrol about 6,750 volunteers in the US and Canada. The US’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority are collaborating with the company, Moderna said in a statement. In the first stage of the trial, researchers will test various doses of vaccine to see which works best. Study participants between the ages of 2 and 11 will receive either 50 or 100 microgrammes per dose, while those ages six months to just under 24 months will get 25, 50 or 100 microgrammes per dose.