Where are the COVID vaccines for kids?

The COVID vaccines were created, authorized and rolled out in record time. First, there was a vaccine for 18-year olds and above. Very little time later, or so it seemed, Pfizer's vaccine was given emergency authorization for 12 to 18-year olds. However, there is still a sizeable chunk of the population - under-12s - that does not have an authorized vaccine available to them, and there has been little or no information publicly available on when that might happen.

Well, apparently, it could happen soon. Pfizer, at least, has been testing its vaccine on 5-12-year olds for some time, on 2-5-year olds for less time, and on 6-month to 2-year olds for even less. They are getting there, though, and an announcement on a vaccine for 5-12-year olds could happen as early as September. A vaccine for 2-5-year olds could follow by October or November, and data for babies/toddlers will  probably not be available until early next year. Official authorization by national health authorities - Health Canada, in our case - will delay things for a few weeks more.

Moderna has been less forthcoming with its own schedules, but it is thought that the end of the year is the earliest it can be expected. AstraZeneca's and Johnson & Johnson's vaccines are so frowned upon these days that I'm not sure the question has even been asked...

So, hang in there, people, help is at hand.