Brazil Approves Sinovac's Coronavac for 6 to 17

Brazilian health regulator Anvisa approved, on Thursday, the emergency use of Sinovac Biotech's (SVA.O) COVID-19 vaccine Coronavac on those aged 6 to 17.

The announcement, which came as all five Anvisa directors voted in favor of the Coronavac shot, extends the country's efforts to inoculate children and teenagers. The shot is produced in Brazil by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute.

Reports revealed that the institute was initially looking to use the vaccine on those aged 3 to 17, but Anvisa's board decided there was not enough data to support the inoculation of such an expanded group.

The inoculation with Coronavac will take place in two doses with a 28-day gap in between, according to Anvisa.

"All available scientific evidence suggests there are benefits and safety in the pediatric use of that vaccine," Anvisa's manager for medicines and biological products, Gustavo Mendes, said.

Notably, the approval of Coronavac follows the green light given to Pfizer Inc's (PFE.N) shot, which was already cleared for everyone above age 5 in Brazil.