Rep. Schrier Participates in Committee Hearing with Five Major COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturers

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated today in an Oversight Subcommittee hearing with the five major COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. In her remarks, Rep. Schrier focused on the timelines for vaccine studies in children and pregnant women for each of the vaccines. So far the authorized vaccines are for Americans aged 16 and above (Pfizer) and aged 18 and above (Moderna).

"Typically, studies in children and pregnant women happen after studies in the general public - with very good reason. And children themselves, generally, have very mild or no symptoms from COVID-19," said Rep. Schrier. "So the risk/benefit calculation is different when it comes to children. One thing that could alter that calculation for parents is knowing whether the vaccine reduces the risk of transmissibility. That kind of information affects whether vaccinated children can safely visit Grandma, and whether or not they risk bringing the virus home from school."

Rep. Schrier went on to ask the manufacturers about how they are studying transmissibility for their vaccines and clinical trial design for children and pregnant women.

Pfizer said that they have an ongoing study in children aged 12-15. And plan on a study for children under 11 later this year. Moderna said they are studying the vaccine in children aged 12-17, and will be studying the vaccine in younger children this year. Moderna has seen some early data showing a decrease in asymptomatic infections. Johnson & Johnson also said that they are actively studying what their vaccine's impact is on asymptomatic spread. Novavax expects to start pediatric trials in the Spring and don't yet have any data on transmissibility.

Rep. Schrier continued, "Right now the decision for whether pregnant women should get vaccinated is up to the woman and her OBGYN. My discussions with ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) suggest that most OBGYNs are recommending the vaccine because although most pregnant women aren't at higher risk for contracting it, they are 70% more likely to die from COVID. What are you finding?"

Pfizer answered Rep. Schrier that they began a study last week for pregnant women that will be looking at the health of the mother and baby, in addition to studying how effective the vaccine is on this population.