The Covid-19 Comirnaty vaccine is currently authorised for use in people 12 years of age and older, which contains a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) with instructions for producing a protein naturally present in SARS-CoV-2 and preparing the body to defend against the virus that causes covid-19.

The EMA's Human Medicines Committee (CHMP) will review data on the vaccine, including the results of an ongoing clinical study involving children aged five to 11 years, to decide whether or not to recommend extending the vaccine for their use.

The CHMP's opinion will then be transmitted to the European Commission, which will issue a final decision.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine received a conditional marketing authorisation in December 2020, being one of four administered in the European Union, along with Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen's single-dose vaccine.