Now a few months into the vaccine distribution effort, Austin-based Benchmark Research is working toward developing a COVID-19 vaccine safety trial for children ranging from ages six months to 11 years old.

The trial would study the Moderna vaccine's efficacy in kids and be a continuation of its teens trial studying ages 12-17, which is already underway in Austin, as first reported by KXAN.

The trial has not announced a start date or timeline but Benchmark Research officials have said they are still researching and will take as many safety precautions as possible.

This study would be reflective of the earlier announced teen trial and would use similar doses. For every two authentic doses administered to the children, one child will receive a placebo dose.

This is not the first vaccine trial done on children—Austin Regional Clinic enrolled teenage participants for a Pfizer vaccine trial back in October and plans to hold another trial for 5-11 year olds sometime this summer.