Meta Inc's social media platform Instagram on Thursday (June 23) announced that it's currently exploring new ways for its users to verify their age, starting with the United States. In addition to letting users upload their pictures, Instagram is testing two new techniques to confirm a user’s age. In order to protect users’ privacy and data, the app announced its partnership with Yoti, a business that specialises in online age verification. Yoti’s technology uses facial features to determine a user’s age when they upload selfies. As per Instagram, once the picture is verified the photograph will be removed from Meta and Yoti, as reported by Reuters.

Another choice is to choose three mutual followers who can attest to the user’s age; the three followers chosen must all be at least 18 years old.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-announces-whatsapp-chat-transfer-from-ios-to-android-possible-now-488448">Meta announces Whatsapp chat transfer from Android to iOS possible now</a>

Erica Finkle, director of data governance at Meta said, “When we know if someone is a teen (13-17 years), we provide them with age-appropriate experiences like defaulting them into private accounts, preventing unwanted contact from adults they don't know and limiting the options advertisers have to reach them with ads.”

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Facebook knew Instagram is toxic for teenagers

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This move comes after the app delayed the debut of Instagram Kids last year due to negative feedback and backlash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-meta-removes-a-large-number-of-groups-and-accounts-for-sharing-upskirting-images-490738">Facebook: Meta removes a large number of groups and accounts for sharing upskirting images</a>

Instagram Kids was billed as a requirement for parental consent to join and promised ad-free, age-appropriate content, but US lawmakers pushed the company to abandon its launch plans over safety concerns.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Meta Inc's social media platform Instagram on Thursday (June 23) announced that it's currently exploring new ways for its users to verify their age, starting with the United States.

Meta Inc's social media platform Instagram on Thursday (June 23) announced that it's currently exploring new ways for its users to verify their age, starting with the United States. In addition to letting users upload their pictures, Instagram is testing two new techniques to confirm a user’s age. In order to protect users’ privacy and data, the app announced its partnership with Yoti, a business that specialises in online age verification. Yoti’s technology uses facial features to determine a user’s age when they upload selfies. As per Instagram, once the picture is verified the photograph will be removed from Meta and Yoti, as reported by Reuters. Another choice is to choose three mutual followers who can attest to the user’s age; the three followers chosen must all be at least 18 years old. Also read | Meta announces Whatsapp chat transfer from Android to iOS possible now Erica Finkle, director of data governance at Meta said, “When we know if someone is a teen (13-17 years), we provide them with age-appropriate experiences like defaulting them into private accounts, preventing unwanted contact from adults they don't know and limiting the options advertisers have to reach them with ads.” Watch | Gravitas: Facebook knew Instagram is toxic for teenagers This move comes after the app delayed the debut of Instagram Kids last year due to negative feedback and backlash. Also read | Facebook: Meta removes a large number of groups and accounts for sharing upskirting images Instagram Kids was billed as a requirement for parental consent to join and promised ad-free, age-appropriate content, but US lawmakers pushed the company to abandon its launch plans over safety concerns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Instagram tests two new methods for age verification; move will provide age-appropriate content to children

Last group of Americans get vaccinated against covid-19. Parents of babies and toddlers express a sigh of relief after the first shot of the vaccine was administered to kids.

US vaccinates youngest against covid-19, parents of toddlers express sigh of relief

As Russia advances around Severodonetsk, mothers in the nearby city of Slovakia are queueing outside distribution centers for essential baby items.

Amid Russian invasion, Sloviansk residents seek aid for kids

Covid vaccines for children under the age of five in the United States is still not available even as the country lifted some if its masking restrictions. Many parents are upset as even after a year Biden government has failed to get vaccines for children.

No vaccine for Children: Covid cases in kids are surging in US, parents rally for FDA review

As covid-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccinations for children. Now, Covaxin & Corbevax vaccines gets green light for use.

India's fight against COVID: Covaxin & Corbevax gets green light

Have you ever been punished for clicking pictures of your own children? Well, never, right? &nbsp;

If yes, then consider yourself lucky, as a man in the United States had one of the worst experiences he might remember for the rest of his life. &nbsp;

In a case of sheer bad luck, the man was attacked with pepper spray by a woman in Arlington, Virginia state on Tuesday when he was taking pictures of his children. It seems the woman had mistakenly thought that they were not his kids.&nbsp;

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In the incident, the woman first observed the man while&nbsp;taking pictures of the children. She informed a security guard nearby about the situation, as per the crime report on Wednesday. &nbsp;

When the guard found that the children belonged to the man, the woman just approached and attacked him with the spray. Afterwards, she fled the scene. &nbsp;

The investigation is currently going on and the woman is still at large, police said. &nbsp;

The cops are searching for a black woman, who is in her late 20s to mid-30s on the charges of "malicious injury by caustic agent." &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Drought threatens hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam in Southwestern US

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"The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated on scene by medics," the report said. &nbsp;

In Virginia, using pepper spray on a person Illegally is a Class 6 felony. But, the use of the spray can be carried out by police officers and "in the protection of person, life or property." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Have you ever been punished for clicking pictures of your own children? Well, never, right? If yes, then consider yourself lucky, as a man in the United States had one of the worst experiences he might remember for the rest of his life.

Have you ever been punished for clicking pictures of your own children? Well, never, right? If yes, then consider yourself lucky, as a man in the United States had one of the worst experiences he might remember for the rest of his life. In a case of sheer bad luck, the man was attacked with pepper spray by a woman in Arlington, Virginia state on Tuesday when he was taking pictures of his children. It seems the woman had mistakenly thought that they were not his kids. Also Read: Musk looks to 'solidify relationship' with Twitter, offers to buy for $41 bn In the incident, the woman first observed the man while taking pictures of the children. She informed a security guard nearby about the situation, as per the crime report on Wednesday. When the guard found that the children belonged to the man, the woman just approached and attacked him with the spray. Afterwards, she fled the scene. The investigation is currently going on and the woman is still at large, police said. The cops are searching for a black woman, who is in her late 20s to mid-30s on the charges of "malicious injury by caustic agent." Watch: Drought threatens hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam in Southwestern US × "The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated on scene by medics," the report said. In Virginia, using pepper spray on a person Illegally is a Class 6 felony. But, the use of the spray can be carried out by police officers and "in the protection of person, life or property." (With inputs from agencies)

Hard luck? US man gets attacked with pepper spray by woman for clicking photos of own kids

A Mississippi assistant principal was fired after reading a children's book called "I Need a New Butt!" to second-graders.

According to NBC News, Toby Price was requested to set up a Zoom lesson for the students at Gary Road Elementary School in Byram, and when the principal failed to come up as scheduled, he was directed to read them a book.&nbsp;

Free speech advocates have criticised the episode, claiming that it could limit free expression at a time when conservatives are pushing for book bans in schools across the country.

The New York Times reported that on March 2, Read Across America Day, students aged six and seven from Hinds County, Mississippi, were waiting for a school official to read to them in a Zoom session.

Toby Price, an assistant principal at Gary Road Elementary School who was at his office, stepped in when the administrator was unable to attend.

He promptly picked up Dawn McMillan's "I Need a New Butt! and began reading to approximately 240 children.&nbsp;

Price said he was brought to the principal's office immediately after the lesson ended and told that parents might object to his choice of book.

He was given an administrative leave of absence.&nbsp;

The disgruntled teacher claimed that no parents had complained, but that the Hinds County School District thought it was inappropriate since it used words like "butt" and "fart," according to the network.

According to reports, the book also included cartoon depictions of a child's hiney.

According to WLBT, the superintendent of the school system said in Price's termination letter that he demonstrated "a lack of professionalism and poor judgement" by choosing the book.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Mississippi assistant principal was fired after reading a children's book called "I Need a New Butt!" to second-graders. According to NBC News, Toby Price was requested to set up a Zoom lesson for the students at Gary Road Elementary School in Byram, and when the principal failed to come up as scheduled, he was directed to read them a book.

A Mississippi assistant principal was fired after reading a children's book called "I Need a New Butt!" to second-graders. According to NBC News, Toby Price was requested to set up a Zoom lesson for the students at Gary Road Elementary School in Byram, and when the principal failed to come up as scheduled, he was directed to read them a book. Free speech advocates have criticised the episode, claiming that it could limit free expression at a time when conservatives are pushing for book bans in schools across the country. The New York Times reported that on March 2, Read Across America Day, students aged six and seven from Hinds County, Mississippi, were waiting for a school official to read to them in a Zoom session. Toby Price, an assistant principal at Gary Road Elementary School who was at his office, stepped in when the administrator was unable to attend. He promptly picked up Dawn McMillan's "I Need a New Butt! and began reading to approximately 240 children. Price said he was brought to the principal's office immediately after the lesson ended and told that parents might object to his choice of book. He was given an administrative leave of absence. The disgruntled teacher claimed that no parents had complained, but that the Hinds County School District thought it was inappropriate since it used words like "butt" and "fart," according to the network. According to reports, the book also included cartoon depictions of a child's hiney. According to WLBT, the superintendent of the school system said in Price's termination letter that he demonstrated "a lack of professionalism and poor judgement" by choosing the book. (With inputs from agencies)

US teacher fired for reading ‘I Need a New Butt!’ to kids in second grade

Japan&nbsp;will ease its strict&nbsp;virus&nbsp;border rules to allow students and business people into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday.

The move comes with growing pressure on&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;from the business community and academics to loosen the border restrictions, which are the toughest in the G7 but have broad support from Japanese voters.

Japan&nbsp;has barred tourists since the early days of the pandemic, and has in some cases prevented even existing foreign residents from entering the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-contrast-to-covids-59-million-deaths-this-malady-kills-more-than-9-million-people-every-year-453616">In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year</a>

Last November, the government slightly loosened the rules to allow some students and businesspeople to enter, but then quickly reversed the plan weeks later as the Omicron strain emerged.

After an Omicron-driven spike in infections, cases in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;now appear to have peaked, experts say.

From March 1, Kishida said "we will allow new visitors, except those coming for tourism", adding that a cap on daily entrants will be raised to from the current 3,500 to 5,000.

More than 400,000 people whose visas have already been approved by authorities were waiting to enter&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;as of January 4, an immigration agency official told AFP.

More than 150,000 of those are students, with another 129,000 workers hired to take part in a technical training programme that is a key source of foreign labour for several industries in the country.

While&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;has not pursued a zero-Covid policy and has avoided strict lockdowns, it has made tough border measures a centrepiece of its pandemic response.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-japan-is-whipping-up-hysteria-in-kuril-islands-row-451707">Russia says Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in Kuril Islands row</a>

Even citizens and returning residents able to enter have been subject to quarantines of up to two weeks, with testing before and after entering the country.

Kishida said quarantine requirements would now be eased, going from seven to three days, if arrivals test negative.

Quarantine will be removed altogether for those with three vaccines doses coming from countries judged low-risk, he added, without specifying particular nations.

Japan&nbsp;has recorded more than 20,950 deaths in the pandemic and polls show Japanese broadly favour the tough restrictions, with nearly 60 percent of respondents in a recent survey by public broadcaster NHK backing a continued ban on entry.

Davide Rossi, an Italian entrepreneur living in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;who campaigns for students stuck outside the country, said the news was a light at the end of the tunnel, and many now hope they can enter&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;before the new semester in April.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan is set to announce easing of COVID-19 border curbs

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"There is a very high sense of urgency. People are really on the verge of quitting, but now, with this announcement, they have some hope," he told AFP.

But he recalled the way the border restrictions were tightened in November, just weeks after being eased.

"Hopefully this is a lesson, too, and the borders won't close again like they did in November, because that really hurt a lot of people so much. I hope things will get better from today."

Japan will ease its strict virus border rules to allow students and business people into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday.

Japan will ease its strict virus border rules to allow students and business people into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday. The move comes with growing pressure on Japan from the business community and academics to loosen the border restrictions, which are the toughest in the G7 but have broad support from Japanese voters. Japan has barred tourists since the early days of the pandemic, and has in some cases prevented even existing foreign residents from entering the country. Also read | In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year Last November, the government slightly loosened the rules to allow some students and businesspeople to enter, but then quickly reversed the plan weeks later as the Omicron strain emerged. After an Omicron-driven spike in infections, cases in Japan now appear to have peaked, experts say. From March 1, Kishida said "we will allow new visitors, except those coming for tourism", adding that a cap on daily entrants will be raised to from the current 3,500 to 5,000. More than 400,000 people whose visas have already been approved by authorities were waiting to enter Japan as of January 4, an immigration agency official told AFP. More than 150,000 of those are students, with another 129,000 workers hired to take part in a technical training programme that is a key source of foreign labour for several industries in the country. While Japan has not pursued a zero-Covid policy and has avoided strict lockdowns, it has made tough border measures a centrepiece of its pandemic response. Also read | Russia says Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in Kuril Islands row Even citizens and returning residents able to enter have been subject to quarantines of up to two weeks, with testing before and after entering the country. Kishida said quarantine requirements would now be eased, going from seven to three days, if arrivals test negative. Quarantine will be removed altogether for those with three vaccines doses coming from countries judged low-risk, he added, without specifying particular nations. Japan has recorded more than 20,950 deaths in the pandemic and polls show Japanese broadly favour the tough restrictions, with nearly 60 percent of respondents in a recent survey by public broadcaster NHK backing a continued ban on entry. Davide Rossi, an Italian entrepreneur living in Japan who campaigns for students stuck outside the country, said the news was a light at the end of the tunnel, and many now hope they can enter Japan before the new semester in April. Watch | Japan is set to announce easing of COVID-19 border curbs "There is a very high sense of urgency. People are really on the verge of quitting, but now, with this announcement, they have some hope," he told AFP. But he recalled the way the border restrictions were tightened in November, just weeks after being eased. "Hopefully this is a lesson, too, and the borders won't close again like they did in November, because that really hurt a lot of people so much. I hope things will get better from today."

COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred

Scotland&nbsp;will&nbsp;offer&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;to&nbsp;all&nbsp;5-11&nbsp;year&nbsp;olds, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Wednesday, accepting advice received from British vaccine advisers.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine roll-out of&nbsp;all&nbsp;four nations of the United Kingdom, who have followed their guidance so far.

"Although it isn’t yet published, I can confirm that (the Scottish Government) has received advice from JCVI (advisers) recommending that vaccination is&nbsp;offered to&nbsp;all&nbsp;5-11&nbsp;yr&nbsp;olds," Sturgeon said in a tweet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/explainer-patient-dies-due-to-lassa-fever-in-uk-what-are-the-symptoms-how-can-it-be-prevented-453413">Explainer: Patient dies due to Lassa fever in UK: What are the symptoms &amp; how can it be prevented?</a>

"We will accept this advice &amp; work is now underway on the logistics of delivery."

Wales has also said it will implement the JCVI advice, with the Welsh health minister saying she was not quite sure why the publication of the JCVI's advice has been delayed.

Britain has been slower than some other countries in&nbsp;offering the shots to 5-11&nbsp;year&nbsp;olds. While vulnerable children have been&nbsp;offered the shot, Britain is not currently vaccinating the age group more broadly unlike countries such as the United States and Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-kids-allowed-to-enter-shopping-centres-in-jakarta-453691">Vaccinated kids allowed to enter shopping centres in Jakarta</a>

The British government, which sets health policy for England, is yet to announce the vaccination of 5-11&nbsp;year&nbsp;olds, even though its vaccine rollout policy is usually co-ordinated with other UK nations.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he will set out more details of his strategy for living with&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;when parliament returns on Monday next week.

Watch |&nbsp;UK Prince Andrew settles lawsuit by sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre

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"We are reviewing the JCVI’s advice as part of wider decision-making ahead of the publication of our long-term strategy for living with&nbsp;COVID-19," a UK health ministry spokesperson said. "More detail will be set out shortly."

Scotland will offer COVID-19 vaccines to all 5-11 year olds, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Wednesday, accepting advice received from British vaccine advisers.

Scotland will offer COVID-19 vaccines to all 5-11 year olds, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Wednesday, accepting advice received from British vaccine advisers. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out of all four nations of the United Kingdom, who have followed their guidance so far. "Although it isn’t yet published, I can confirm that (the Scottish Government) has received advice from JCVI (advisers) recommending that vaccination is offered to all 5-11 yr olds," Sturgeon said in a tweet. Also read | Explainer: Patient dies due to Lassa fever in UK: What are the symptoms & how can it be prevented? "We will accept this advice & work is now underway on the logistics of delivery." Wales has also said it will implement the JCVI advice, with the Welsh health minister saying she was not quite sure why the publication of the JCVI's advice has been delayed. Britain has been slower than some other countries in offering the shots to 5-11 year olds. While vulnerable children have been offered the shot, Britain is not currently vaccinating the age group more broadly unlike countries such as the United States and Israel. Also read | Vaccinated kids allowed to enter shopping centres in Jakarta The British government, which sets health policy for England, is yet to announce the vaccination of 5-11 year olds, even though its vaccine rollout policy is usually co-ordinated with other UK nations. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he will set out more details of his strategy for living with COVID when parliament returns on Monday next week. Watch | UK Prince Andrew settles lawsuit by sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre "We are reviewing the JCVI’s advice as part of wider decision-making ahead of the publication of our long-term strategy for living with COVID-19," a UK health ministry spokesperson said. "More detail will be set out shortly."

Scotland to offer COVID vaccines to all 5-11 year olds

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. 
 
However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. 
 
With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-buy-french-warplanes-as-paris-boosts-asia-alliances-452033">Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances</a> 
 
The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. 
 
"If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. 
 
To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. 
 
On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-indonesia-brave-islanders-free-croc-caught-in-a-tyre-for-the-last-six-years-451631">&nbsp;In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years</a>

More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. 
 
The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. 
 
Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesian-court-jails-islamic-school-teacher-for-raping-13-students-453608/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. 
 
Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.</div>

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents.

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta. Also read | Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. "If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year. Also read | In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose. Watch | Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.

Vaccinated kids allowed to enter shopping centres in Jakarta

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday (February 11) said it was postponing an advisory panel&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;that was to&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;authorization of Pfizer and BioNTech's&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;for children 6 months through 4 years of age.

In a separate statement, the companies said they planned to extend the process of submitting data to U.S. regulators for the shot for children&nbsp;under&nbsp;5.

U.S. regulators have been considering the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;for the only age group not yet eligible for the shots, even though the companies said initial results fell short of expectations in 2- to 4-year olds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/efficacy-of-pfizer-and-moderna-vaccines-wane-after-third-dose-study-452589">Efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines wane after third dose: Study</a>

In December, Pfizer said it was amending its clinical trial to test a three-dose version of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;because the low dose used generated an immune response in&nbsp;kids&nbsp;aged 2 to 4 that was inferior to the response measured in those aged 16 to 25.

The companies had said they submitted data on the first two doses of what would eventually be a three-dose regimen in the age group at the request of the&nbsp;FDA. On Friday, they said they expect to have three-dose protection data available in early April.

Some scientists were critical of this idea, suggesting that regulators should wait for data from a third shot before deciding on authorization.

In very young children between 6 months and 2 years old, the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;generated an immune response in line with 16- to 25-year-olds, the companies had said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday (February 11) said it was postponing an advisory panel meeting that was to discuss authorization of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years of age.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday (February 11) said it was postponing an advisory panel meeting that was to discuss authorization of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years of age. In a separate statement, the companies said they planned to extend the process of submitting data to U.S. regulators for the shot for children under 5. U.S. regulators have been considering the vaccine for the only age group not yet eligible for the shots, even though the companies said initial results fell short of expectations in 2- to 4-year olds. Also read | Efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines wane after third dose: Study In December, Pfizer said it was amending its clinical trial to test a three-dose version of the vaccine because the low dose used generated an immune response in kids aged 2 to 4 that was inferior to the response measured in those aged 16 to 25. The companies had said they submitted data on the first two doses of what would eventually be a three-dose regimen in the age group at the request of the FDA. On Friday, they said they expect to have three-dose protection data available in early April. Some scientists were critical of this idea, suggesting that regulators should wait for data from a third shot before deciding on authorization. In very young children between 6 months and 2 years old, the vaccine generated an immune response in line with 16- to 25-year-olds, the companies had said.

FDA postpones meeting to discuss Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids under 5

Amidst concerns that the relaxation of virus rules can once again spark a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections, Hong Kong has now decided to again tighten its virus rules to prevent further transmission of the virus.

Hong Kong: New COVID-19 curbs ahead of lunar New Year to prevent further transmission of the virus

Hong Kong has suspended kindergarten and primary schools until next month. All in-person classes and playgrounds will remain shut until the beginning of the lunar new year break, after which the city administration will start the vaccination program for children.

Hong Kong suspends in-person kindergarten & primary school classes until vaccination program starts

Covid hospitalisations among children are rising in the US as the country continues to battle against the pandemic. According to the latest CDC data, an average of 672 children were admitted to hospitals due to &nbsp;Covid each day last week. This has become a worrying trend among the experts and they believe that the hospitalisations are triggered by low vaccination rates and the very easily transmissible omicron variant.&nbsp;

Dr Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, while speaking to Forbes said, "It’s not surprising to see cases and hospitalisations rise” among children."

Experts have said that there are several reasons for a surge in pediatric cases - including the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. A report by Forbes states that early data suggests the variant could be up to 3 times more infectious than delta and children being more vulnerable to infection.&nbsp;

Another reason can be the lower rate of vaccination among children in the US. The vaccination rate remains drastically low with just 25 per cent vaccinated among ages 5-11 and 64 per cent among ages 12-17.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-10-bodies-left-in-car-outside-a-state-governors-office-442919">Also read |&nbsp;Mexico: 10 bodies left in car outside a state governor's office</a>

Also, children under 5 are not eligible for vaccination at all.

Doctors say it is too early to determine whether Omicron causes more severe illness in children than other variants of the coronavirus.

“At my own hospital, where I work and practice here in DC at Children's National, about half of our hospitalisations ... are children under five,” Dr Lee Savio Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told CNN.

New York is among the worst-hit states where on average 109 people aged 18 and younger have been hospitalised between December 19 and December 23.

Other parts of the US are also seeing a spike in cases among children. Ohio has seen a 125 per cent increase in hospitalisations among children 17, according to data from the Ohio Hospital Association.

(With inputs from agencies)

Covid hospitalisations among children are rising in the US as the country continues to battle against the pandemic. According to the latest CDC data, an average of 672 children were admitted to hospitals due to Covid each day last week.

Covid hospitalisations among children are rising in the US as the country continues to battle against the pandemic. According to the latest CDC data, an average of 672 children were admitted to hospitals due to Covid each day last week. This has become a worrying trend among the experts and they believe that the hospitalisations are triggered by low vaccination rates and the very easily transmissible omicron variant. Dr Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, while speaking to Forbes said, "It’s not surprising to see cases and hospitalisations rise” among children." Experts have said that there are several reasons for a surge in pediatric cases - including the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. A report by Forbes states that early data suggests the variant could be up to 3 times more infectious than delta and children being more vulnerable to infection. Another reason can be the lower rate of vaccination among children in the US. The vaccination rate remains drastically low with just 25 per cent vaccinated among ages 5-11 and 64 per cent among ages 12-17. Also read | Mexico: 10 bodies left in car outside a state governor's office Also, children under 5 are not eligible for vaccination at all. Doctors say it is too early to determine whether Omicron causes more severe illness in children than other variants of the coronavirus. “At my own hospital, where I work and practice here in DC at Children's National, about half of our hospitalisations ... are children under five,” Dr Lee Savio Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told CNN. New York is among the worst-hit states where on average 109 people aged 18 and younger have been hospitalised between December 19 and December 23. Other parts of the US are also seeing a spike in cases among children. Ohio has seen a 125 per cent increase in hospitalisations among children 17, according to data from the Ohio Hospital Association. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron more infectious than Delta? Experts reveal why the variant is affecting kids

Pope Francis says couples who keep pets instead of having children are 'selfish'. His remarks have taken social media by storm. The 85-year-old pontiff is being slammed for being a 'hypocrite'. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Pope Francis says 'choosing pets over kids is selfish'

After FDA, Centers for Disease Control Director Dr Rochelle Walensky has suggested the use of Pfizer booster doses for teenagers from 12 through 15 years of age. "It is critical that we protect our children and teens from COVID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease," CDC Director said in a statement.&nbsp;

"This booster dose will provide optimised protection against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. I encourage all parents to keep their children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations," she further added.&nbsp;

The booster shot will be given at least five months after the two doses have been given. The decision was taken after a CDC advisory panel voted 13-1 in favour of booster dose.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-fda-amends-emergency-use-of-pfizer-booster-dose-for-more-teens-442035">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens</a>

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech is the only US option for children of any age. According to the CDC, about 13.5 million 12- to 17-year-olds, just over half that age group, have received two Pfizer shots.

The FDA approved the same booster shot for teens earlier this week. According to Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock,

“Throughout the pandemic, as the virus that causes COVID-19 has continuously evolved, the need for the FDA to quickly adapt has meant using the best available science to make informed decisions with the health and safety of the American public in mind.”&nbsp;

Global Covid cases experiencing a surge due to the Omicron variant. The health authorities have warned that its extremely high transmissibility could overwhelm many health systems all across the globe.

(With inputs from agencies)

After FDA, Centers for Disease Control Director Dr Rochelle Walensky has suggested the use of Pfizer booster doses for teenagers from 12 through 15 years of age.

After FDA, Centers for Disease Control Director Dr Rochelle Walensky has suggested the use of Pfizer booster doses for teenagers from 12 through 15 years of age. "It is critical that we protect our children and teens from COVID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease," CDC Director said in a statement. "This booster dose will provide optimised protection against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. I encourage all parents to keep their children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations," she further added. The booster shot will be given at least five months after the two doses have been given. The decision was taken after a CDC advisory panel voted 13-1 in favour of booster dose. Also read | Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech is the only US option for children of any age. According to the CDC, about 13.5 million 12- to 17-year-olds, just over half that age group, have received two Pfizer shots. The FDA approved the same booster shot for teens earlier this week. According to Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, “Throughout the pandemic, as the virus that causes COVID-19 has continuously evolved, the need for the FDA to quickly adapt has meant using the best available science to make informed decisions with the health and safety of the American public in mind.” Global Covid cases experiencing a surge due to the Omicron variant. The health authorities have warned that its extremely high transmissibility could overwhelm many health systems all across the globe. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron update: CDC suggests Pfizer booster shot for kids aged 12 and above

The latest virus surge across the United States has produced a worrisome rise in hospitalizations among children especially the ones who are too young to be vaccinated. Parents across the country are facing a heightened anxiety of the risks of Omicron on children, several states have reported an increase of about 50 percent in pediatric hospitalizations in December.

United States: Rise in hospitalizations of children, as Omicron and Delta variant becomes dominant

Kids sick with Wuhan Virus are filling up hospitals in the US. Omicron has ignited a new surge in infections worldwide. Are we prepared to contain the virus in 2022? Palki Sharma answers the 5 big questions that could determine the future trajectory of the pandemic.

Gravitas: Kids sick with Covid are filling up hospitals in America

Young orangutans seem much like human toddlers: amiable, endearing, lovable. But unlike human kids, when their mothers say no, they don’t whine and argue.

Orangutan mothers teach their young how to forage for food, adjusting their tactics depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the food-gathering technique. And they know exactly when a child is old enough to know better.

A new study, published this month in Scientific Reports, describes 21 juvenile orangutans living with their mothers in a forest on the west coast of Aceh province in Sumatra, Indonesia. The researchers recorded 1,390 incidents of juveniles soliciting food from their mothers, usually just by grabbing it out of the mother’s hands. The mothers tolerate this — but only up to a point.

“No one has done much work on this, and no one had data like this for Sumatran orangutans,” said David P. Watts, a professor of anthropology at Yale University who has published widely on primate behavior but was not involved in this study. “The whole topic of how young primates learn what they need to eat — people haven’t studied it very much.”

Orangutans stay with their mothers for eight or nine years, longer than almost any mammal except humans. But the time is not wasted: During this period they learn how to recognise, gather and process more than 200 food items.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-testifies-at-manslaughter-trial-for-killing-daunte-wright-437812">Also read |&nbsp;US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright</a>

Foods like leaves and flowers are easy to find and ready to eat. But for most fruits, a large portion of their diets, orangutans must know when they are ripe, which parts are edible and how to extract them. And some foods involve using tools: Getting honey out of a beehive, for example, requires the selection and design of a proper stick, and long practice in perfecting the skill to use it.

An orangutan is 8 years old before it has built the basic knowledge to feed itself, and as old as 12 before it has mastered the most complex food-finding and preparation techniques.

The researchers found that the older the child, and the easier the food is to find and prepare, the less likely the mothers are willing to share. Mothers let younger children grab almost any food, and allow even older offspring to take food that is hard to find. But if an older juvenile tries to grab flowers — easy to find and eat — she won’t let it, essentially telling the child that it is old enough to find its own.

The best and rarest foods — the meat of small primates, squirrels and civets that orangutans sometimes hunt — are willingly shared with children of any age.

Orangutan mothers are patient, and orangutan young are generally docile and compliant. If a mother doesn’t want to share, she just turns away, or gets into a position where the child can’t reach the food. No slapping, no yelling, no drama — but the young one gets the message.

“We know that people and orangutans have role models who adjust their behavior according to the needs of the pupil,” said Caroline Schuppli, lead author of the study. “In humans, adults do this proactively; in orangs, the initiative comes from the kid — they need to ask for the food.”

Schuppli, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, said that human children are surrounded by enthusiastic teachers — not only their parents, but also extended family and an entire educational system based mainly on active teaching.

“If you think about what a kid needs to learn — it’s well beyond their imagination, beyond what they could actively ask for,” she said. “But with orangutans it’s quite a bit simpler.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-states-trump-administration-voluntarily-sabotaged-covid-response-437827">Also read |&nbsp;Report states Trump administration voluntarily sabotaged Covid response</a>

Are some orangutans better teachers than others? No one knows.

“We would need to show that some orangutan mothers have kids who learn faster,” Schuppli said. “If a mother shares more, do her kids learn faster? We don’t know. We don’t have the right type of data to test if this is the case.”

In any animal research, and perhaps especially with primates, there is a danger of anthropomorphising — attributing human characteristics or behavior to animals without good evidence. Schuppli tries to resist the impulse.

“The data we collect is descriptive first, and the interpretation comes later,” she said. “We analyse the data, based on our hypotheses. But every great ape researcher has moments when he connects what he sees to the behavior of humans.”

Young orangutans seem much like human toddlers: amiable, endearing, lovable. But unlike human kids, when their mothers say no, they don’t whine and argue. Orangutan mothers teach their young how to forage for food, adjusting their tactics depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the food-gathering technique.

Young orangutans seem much like human toddlers: amiable, endearing, lovable. But unlike human kids, when their mothers say no, they don’t whine and argue. Orangutan mothers teach their young how to forage for food, adjusting their tactics depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the food-gathering technique. And they know exactly when a child is old enough to know better. A new study, published this month in Scientific Reports, describes 21 juvenile orangutans living with their mothers in a forest on the west coast of Aceh province in Sumatra, Indonesia. The researchers recorded 1,390 incidents of juveniles soliciting food from their mothers, usually just by grabbing it out of the mother’s hands. The mothers tolerate this — but only up to a point. “No one has done much work on this, and no one had data like this for Sumatran orangutans,” said David P. Watts, a professor of anthropology at Yale University who has published widely on primate behavior but was not involved in this study. “The whole topic of how young primates learn what they need to eat — people haven’t studied it very much.” Orangutans stay with their mothers for eight or nine years, longer than almost any mammal except humans. But the time is not wasted: During this period they learn how to recognise, gather and process more than 200 food items. Also read | US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright Foods like leaves and flowers are easy to find and ready to eat. But for most fruits, a large portion of their diets, orangutans must know when they are ripe, which parts are edible and how to extract them. And some foods involve using tools: Getting honey out of a beehive, for example, requires the selection and design of a proper stick, and long practice in perfecting the skill to use it. An orangutan is 8 years old before it has built the basic knowledge to feed itself, and as old as 12 before it has mastered the most complex food-finding and preparation techniques. The researchers found that the older the child, and the easier the food is to find and prepare, the less likely the mothers are willing to share. Mothers let younger children grab almost any food, and allow even older offspring to take food that is hard to find. But if an older juvenile tries to grab flowers — easy to find and eat — she won’t let it, essentially telling the child that it is old enough to find its own. The best and rarest foods — the meat of small primates, squirrels and civets that orangutans sometimes hunt — are willingly shared with children of any age. Orangutan mothers are patient, and orangutan young are generally docile and compliant. If a mother doesn’t want to share, she just turns away, or gets into a position where the child can’t reach the food. No slapping, no yelling, no drama — but the young one gets the message. “We know that people and orangutans have role models who adjust their behavior according to the needs of the pupil,” said Caroline Schuppli, lead author of the study. “In humans, adults do this proactively; in orangs, the initiative comes from the kid — they need to ask for the food.” Schuppli, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, said that human children are surrounded by enthusiastic teachers — not only their parents, but also extended family and an entire educational system based mainly on active teaching. “If you think about what a kid needs to learn — it’s well beyond their imagination, beyond what they could actively ask for,” she said. “But with orangutans it’s quite a bit simpler.” Also read | Report states Trump administration voluntarily sabotaged Covid response Are some orangutans better teachers than others? No one knows. “We would need to show that some orangutan mothers have kids who learn faster,” Schuppli said. “If a mother shares more, do her kids learn faster? We don’t know. We don’t have the right type of data to test if this is the case.” In any animal research, and perhaps especially with primates, there is a danger of anthropomorphising — attributing human characteristics or behavior to animals without good evidence. Schuppli tries to resist the impulse. “The data we collect is descriptive first, and the interpretation comes later,” she said. “We analyse the data, based on our hypotheses. But every great ape researcher has moments when he connects what he sees to the behavior of humans.”

In Orangutan parenting, the kids can get their own dinner

The world is making the digital shift from the last few years. Internet, social media, phones, they take up a lot of our day and the impact of social media platforms has been acknowledged by the world and now govt are now looking at regulating the big tech.

How safe is Instagram for your kids? How is it impacting younger generation?

An Australian academic in her research paper claimed that popular children’s books from the western nations, including the Disney classics such as Snow White, are “outdated, sexist and racist”.

According to the findings, published recently in the Australian Educational Researcher, 90 per cent of the popular children’s books, including 'Harry the Dog', “promoted traditional, binary and stereotypical viewpoints of gender and gender roles”, reports the Daily Express.

The researcher recommends replacing the “outdated” classics with “more inclusive” books, written within the last 20 to 30 years.&nbsp;

The study was published by Dr Helen Adam and co-authored by Laurie Harper from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-six-dr-seuss-books-pulled-from-publication-over-racist-imagery-367550">Six Dr Seuss books pulled from publication over racist imagery</a>

The findings also claimed&nbsp;that Disney favourites perpetuate "racial divides and gender stereotypes", calling&nbsp;Snow White an example of “a dependent woman.”

“The world represented in children’s books reflects predominantly middle class, heterosexual, male heroes and characters,” the report of Adam and Harper states.

Adam pointed out that this was commonplace in classic kids’ titles, adding that representations of different family structures outside of the “traditional heteronormative understandings are most often absent in children’s books.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-enid-blytons-books-termed-as-racist-lacking-literary-merit-by-a-british-charity-392366">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-enid-blytons-books-termed-as-racist-lacking-literary-merit-by-a-british-charity-392366">Enid Blyton's books termed as 'racist, lacking literary merit' by a British charity</a>

“Disney stories relentlessly define the United States as white, middle class and heterosexual and often serve to reproduce sexist, racist and colonial ideologies,” the research study stated.

&nbsp;“Purely and simply this research shows there's a lack of representation of boys and girls in non-traditional gender roles in these books. Research over many years is clear about the negative impact of sexism and gender stereotypes on children's development,” it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Australian academic in her research paper claimed that popular children’s books from the western nations, including the Disney classics such as Snow White, are “outdated, sexist and racist”.

An Australian academic in her research paper claimed that popular children’s books from the western nations, including the Disney classics such as Snow White, are “outdated, sexist and racist”. According to the findings, published recently in the Australian Educational Researcher, 90 per cent of the popular children’s books, including 'Harry the Dog', “promoted traditional, binary and stereotypical viewpoints of gender and gender roles”, reports the Daily Express. The researcher recommends replacing the “outdated” classics with “more inclusive” books, written within the last 20 to 30 years. The study was published by Dr Helen Adam and co-authored by Laurie Harper from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Also read | Six Dr Seuss books pulled from publication over racist imagery The findings also claimed that Disney favourites perpetuate "racial divides and gender stereotypes", calling Snow White an example of “a dependent woman.” “The world represented in children’s books reflects predominantly middle class, heterosexual, male heroes and characters,” the report of Adam and Harper states. Adam pointed out that this was commonplace in classic kids’ titles, adding that representations of different family structures outside of the “traditional heteronormative understandings are most often absent in children’s books.” Also read | Enid Blyton's books termed as 'racist, lacking literary merit' by a British charity “Disney stories relentlessly define the United States as white, middle class and heterosexual and often serve to reproduce sexist, racist and colonial ideologies,” the research study stated. “Purely and simply this research shows there's a lack of representation of boys and girls in non-traditional gender roles in these books. Research over many years is clear about the negative impact of sexism and gender stereotypes on children's development,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Popular children’s books from west, including Disney classics, ‘outdated, sexist, racist’: Study

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. state attorneys general have opened a probe into Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms, for promoting its subsidiary Instagram to children despite potential harms.

US state law officer launches probe into potential harms of Instagram on kids

Israel has approved cpvid-19 vaccines for children from the age of 5, the country's 9.4 million population is relatively young. Watch this report for more.

Covid Vaccine update: Israel approves covid-19 shots for kids

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11.&nbsp;

The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-vaccine-mandate-deadline-looms-new-york-city-braces-for-workers-shortage-425259" hreflang="en">As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage</a>

Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket.&nbsp;

During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects.&nbsp;

Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. 
 
Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-in-covid-19-cases-among-children-in-israel-trigger-noticeable-jump-419987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8."

Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination.

COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes.

However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5. The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11. The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket. During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects. Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump "We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8." Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination. COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes. However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group

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