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
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.