Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Pfizer-BioNTech filed for emergency use authorization with the Food and Drug Administration for a vaccine regimen for children from six months to five years old.

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce later this week that it is authorizing boosters for people 18 or older, even if they aren't at risk for severe disease.

The companies say a study of more than 10,000 volunteers showed a vaccine efficacy of 95% or greater for people receiving the booster.

"With new cases in children in the U.S. continuing to be at a high level, this submission is an important step in our ongoing effort against #COVID19," the pharmaceutical giant said.

Pfizer and BioNTech say they plan to submit a formal request for emergency use authorization of their vaccine in young children "in the coming weeks."

A third shot of the vaccine can be given at least six months after the two-dose regimen, according to the authorization. A booster rollout could begin this week.

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration supported boosters of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for a smaller group of people after they voted against recommending it for anyone 16 and older.

With the U.S. Food and Drug administration’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, Texas is in uncharted territory when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations.