Former FDA Director Gottlieb: "Pfizer Vaccine Can Immediately Vaccinate 5 Million Adolescents Upon Approval"

"12-15 Years Old, Over 10 Million Can Be Vaccinated This Summer"
Pfizer Also Conducting Clinical Trials for Vaccine for Children Aged 6 Months to Under 12 Years

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Former U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has attracted international attention by stating that Pfizer's vaccine will soon be available for adolescents aged 12 to 15, and that 5 million adolescents in this age group could be vaccinated immediately upon approval. As the adult vaccination rate in the United States has surpassed 50%, Pfizer is reportedly accelerating clinical trials for vaccines for adolescents and children.

On the 2nd (local time), former Commissioner Gottlieb said in an interview with CBS News, "Pfizer has applied to the FDA for approval to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 15, and once approved, 5 million adolescents in this age group can be vaccinated immediately," adding, "After vaccinating 5 million immediately, an additional 5 to 7 million can be vaccinated by this summer." He emphasized, "I hope the FDA will approve Pfizer's vaccine for adolescent vaccination as soon as possible." Gottlieb is currently serving as an independent member of Pfizer's board of directors, which has drawn further attention to his remarks.

According to U.S. health authorities, there are approximately 17 million adolescents aged 12 to 15 in the United States. If more than 12 million are vaccinated by this summer as Gottlieb stated, most adolescents aged 12 and older in the U.S. will have been vaccinated. Currently, Pfizer's vaccine is available for those aged 16 and older in the U.S.

Earlier, on the 1st of last month, Pfizer reported to U.S. health authorities that its Phase 3 clinical trial involving 2,260 adolescents aged 12 to 15 showed 100% efficacy, raising expectations for approval of adolescent vaccination. The Joe Biden administration has also announced plans to resume five-day in-person classes starting this fall, so full-scale vaccinations are expected to begin from June to July, before the start of the fall semester.

After receiving approval for adolescent vaccination, Pfizer plans to apply for approval to vaccinate children aged 6 months to under 12 years. It is also known that clinical trials involving 4,500 children have been underway since the end of March.

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