Johnson & Johnson plans to start testing its COVID-19 vaccine in kids ages 12 to 17 this fall, a company executive said June 30, according to The Hill.
Macaya Douoguih, MD, head of clinical development and medical affairs for vaccines, said during a symposium held by Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington, that Johnson & Johnson has four clinical trials planned for its vaccine in adolescents. The first will test the shot in kids ages 12 to 17; another will test the shot in kids ages 2 to 11; the third will test it in kids younger than 2; and the fourth will test it in immunocompromised children ages 1 to 17.
The shot is now authorized only for those 18 years and older.
"While we are encouraged by the progress made with vaccinations, we recognize that a great deal more work is needed as this pandemic continues to affect the world and as the unvaccinated continue to be at risk," Dr. Douoguih said, according to The Hill.
Johnson & Johnson said it plans to enroll at least 4,500 people across the four studies.
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