Pfizer "COVID-19 Vaccine 100% Effective in Ages 12-15"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has shown 100% efficacy in preventing infection among adolescents aged 12 to 15. Pfizer plans to soon apply for approval for use in this age group from regulatory authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European agencies.

According to reports from AP and Bloomberg on the 31st (local time), Pfizer-BioNTech announced preliminary results from a Phase 3 clinical trial involving 2,260 participants aged 12 to 15 in the U.S., showing 100% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.

Among the participants, 18 individuals in the placebo group contracted COVID-19, while none of the vaccinated group were infected.

Side effects were similar to those observed in previous clinical trials involving participants aged 16 to 25. The main side effects included pain, fever, chills, and fatigue.

Follow-up with some participants who completed the second dose showed antibody retention rates after one month comparable to those aged 16 to 25. However, AP noted that this trial was relatively small and the results have not yet been formally published.

Currently, Pfizer's vaccine is authorized for use only in individuals aged 16 and older in the U.S. Moderna's vaccine is approved for those aged 18 and above.

Pfizer stated, "We hope to begin vaccinations for this age group before the new school term this fall."

AP also forecasted that Moderna is expected to soon release Phase 3 clinical trial results for those aged 12 to 17.

Currently, both Moderna and Pfizer are conducting vaccine trials in the U.S. for children under 11 years old under FDA approval.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.