NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Moderna is running into problems that could delay kids from getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
Right now, the Moderna vaccine is only authorized for people age 18 and up. Doctors need the volunteers to see how safe and effective the vaccine is for kids ages 12 to 17.
Doctors had no problem getting adults signed up for the trial of the Moderna vaccine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center last year. But now, researchers across the country say they're running into roadblocks when it comes to getting adolescents to take part in trials.
Trials started four weeks ago, but Moderna says not enough kids are signed up for them to get the data they need to see how kids react to the vaccine.
Federal officials say, when it comes to adults, there are no issues getting volunteers. They can get around 800 a day whereas with teens, it's just 800 a month.
Now, even though COVID-19 symptoms are generally mild in children and teenagers, it does have the potential to cause some health problems. Also, this age group can still spread the virus to the elderly.
Back at Vanderbilt, while they've played a huge role in the vaccine trial for adults, the ones for kids are being held in other cities.
