MODERNA is seeking a green light for using its COVID-19 vaccine for teens as young as 12 in the EU, United States and Canada, as Pfizer - whose shot is already being administered - plans tests on even younger children.
Novavax could start trials on its shot for children by July, while China has already approved Sinovac's jab for emergency use in children as young as three.
But as many parts of the world still await doses for more vulnerable people, the World Health Organisation has urged wealthy countries to donate their surplus doses to poorer countries instead.
The following is a list of some countries that have approved or are considering vaccinating children:
EU COUNTRIES
* Denmark will administer vaccines for children aged 12-15, broadcaster TV 2 reported on June 17, citing sources.
* France has started vaccinating those from 12 years upwards, provided they have parental consent.
* Germany's vaccine advisory committee recommended on June 10 that only children and adolescents with pre-existing conditions should be given Pfizer's vaccine.
* Austria aims to have over 340,000 children aged 12-15 vaccinated by the end of August, according to news site Vindobona.
* Estonia could start vaccinating teenagers by the autumn, public broadcaster ERR reported, citing the head of the government's COVID-19 council.
* Hungary started vaccinating 16 to 18-year-olds in mid-May, according to Xinhua news agency.
* Italy on May 31 approved extending the use of Pfizer's vaccine to 12-15 year olds.
* Lithuania's prime minister said the country could start vaccinating children from age 12 in June, news site Delfi reported.
* Spain plans to start vaccinating children between 12 and 17 years old around two weeks before the academic year starts in September, the health minister said.
EUROPE (NON-EU)
* Britain's vaccines committee will not make a decision on vaccinating teens until July, the Independent reported, though the country's regulator has already approved Pfizer's shot for 12- to 15-year olds.
* Switzerland approved on June 4 vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds with Pfizer's shot, ahead of the country's plan to start inoculating younger people starting as early as July.
* Norway may consider the Pfizer vaccine for children who have a high risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, VG newspaper reported.
* San Marino has opened vaccinations for children aged 12-15, reported San Marino RTV, citing its Institute for Social Security.
MIDDLE EAST
* With the Delta variant driving cases up, Israel is urging vaccination for all children aged 12-15, after eligibility was extended to this age group in May.
* Dubai has started offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to 12 to 15-year-olds, after the United Arab Emirates approved the shot for emergency use for the same age group in mid-May.
ASIA-PACIFIC
* Indonesia on June 28 recommended China's Sinovac vaccine for children aged 12-17 and its president said vaccination could start soon.
* Serum Institute of India plans to start clinical trials of the Novavax shot for children in July, reported ANI news agency on June 25, citing sources.
* New Zealand's medicines regulator has provisionally approved use of Pfizer's vaccine for 12-15 year olds, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on June 21.
* China on June 5 approved emergency use of Sinovac's vaccine for those between three and 17.
* Hong Kong said on June 3 it would open its vaccine scheme to children over the age of 12.
* Singapore opened up its vaccination programme to adolescents aged 12-18 from June 1.
* Japan on May 28 approved the use of Pfizer's vaccine for those aged 12 and above.
* The Philippines on May 26 decided to allow the Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine for emergency use in children aged 12-15.
AMERICAS
* Mexico on June 24 approved Pfizer's vaccine for use in children aged 12 and older.
* Brazil on June 11 approved use of Pfizer's vaccine for children over 12.
* Chile has approved use of Pfizer's vaccine for 12 to 16-year-olds.
* U.S. states began inoculating young adolescents in mid-May.
* Canada in early May approved use of Pfizer's vaccine for use in children aged 12-15.
Reuters
Wed Jun 30 2021
Thomas Lo, 15, receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the COVID-19 at Northwell Health's Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, U.S. Filepic/REUTERS
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.