UK Considers Pfizer Vaccine for Adolescents Aged 12 and Over This Fall

Pfizer vaccine [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The UK is considering administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to students aged 12 and over this fall.

According to The Times on the 2nd, UK health authorities are planning to give a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine to secondary school students starting in September. The decision on vaccinating adolescents will depend on the COVID-19 situation over the coming months.

Adam Finn, a professor at the University of Bristol and a member of the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), stated, "If it is necessary to build immunity in children, especially teenagers, it should be done quickly and efficiently."

Regarding projections of a third wave of COVID-19 following the lifting of lockdown on June 21, he emphasized that vaccinating children should be prioritized to avoid school closures if infection rates rise significantly. He added, "Next year, education should not be disrupted in any way." However, he noted that if infection rates decline before fall, vaccinating children may not be necessary.

So far, Pfizer is the only vaccine with trial data available for those under 16. According to Pfizer's study released in March, the vaccine showed 100% efficacy and no safety concerns in a trial involving 2,260 participants aged 12 to 15. Pfizer has applied for review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in those aged 12 to 16.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca (AZ) began pediatric trials in February but halted them due to concerns over blood clots. Moderna is currently conducting trials, but results have not yet been released.

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