Children now have a weapon in the fight against COVID: Remdesivir approved by FDA for young kids

Finally, a breakthrough treatment for kids who get COVID-19.

“It’s great news because there was nothing available for children under 12 until now,” said Dr Shira Doron, head epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center.

“That was really a kind of hole in our arsenal against COVID-19,” said Dr. Doron.

The FDA approved the drug remdesivir for children 28 days or older, who are hospitalized or not hospitalized, and have mild-to-moderate COVID and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID, including hospitalization or death.

Dr. Doron says FDA approval of the drug will help susceptible children by treating them when they first catch COVID.

“Especially when given early on, especially given to outpatients people who aren’t sick enough to get hospitalization yet, it works extremely well,” said Dr. Doron.

Parents with young children are excited for a new way to protect their kids from COVID.

“I think it’s great now that something can help children. I’m a teacher as well, so anything that can help kids,” said Nicole Gabriel, of Braintree.

Others are open to looking at it since the approval just happened.

“It’s definitely something I would consider, absolutely. I would just have some questions,” said Mandy Granahan, of Braintree.

Dr. Doron says caught within the first few days, remdesivir can help stop COVID in its tracks.

“It’s been unbelievably effective, almost 90 percent effective at preventing hospitalization,” said Dr Doron.

In addition to remdesivir, Moderna and Pfizer are ready to roll out a vaccine for children 5 and under possibly by June.

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