Moderna has remained a step behind Pfizer and BioNTech for the entirety of the pandemic — until now. The company launched its vaccine for babies and toddlers at the same time as its rivals.

FDA advisors also hope Moderna's vaccine will offer parents another option for the 6-17 age groups.

Both Moderna's and Pfizer's first Covid shots are fully approved by the FDA. Moderna's is approved for adults only, whereas Pfizer and BioNTech can vaccinate people age 16 and older. Both companies also offer one booster to vaccine recipients under age 50. Older recipients and immunocompromised children as young as 12 can receive a second booster shot.

Moderna also won authorizations for its updated omicron-blocking booster shot in lockstep with Pfizer and BioNTech.$Moderna, Inc.(MRNA)$