Pfizer says its Covid-19 vaccine is safe for children as young as 5 years old, announcing this morning that it will approach the FDA seeking the necessary approval of the jab for children ages 5-11.

The vaccine manufacturer says tests were conducted on more than 2,000 children in this age group, with results showing “robust neutralizing antibody responses”.

The dosage administered was less than the amount for those 12 and over.

Dr. Bill Gruber, Pfizer’s senior vice president of vaccine clinical research and development as well as a pediatrician, said the company is hopefful approval will be granted expeditiously.

“We intend to submit the data by the end of the month and then of course it will be up to the FDA to review that data and determine whether the vaccine can be released for broad use,” he said.

The Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for children as young as 12, under the FDA’s emergency use authorization.