US FDA Approves Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 12 to 15

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The United States has expanded the authorized use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 12 and older.

On the 10th (local time), the U.S. economic media outlet CNBC reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to allow the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to those aged 12 to 15. Accordingly, the vaccination age has been expanded from 16 and older to 12 and older.

In March, Pfizer announced preliminary results from a Phase 3 clinical trial involving 2,260 U.S. participants aged 12 to 15, showing a 100% efficacy rate in preventing COVID-19. Side effects were similar in level to those observed in earlier clinical trials involving participants aged 16 to 25.

This announcement was made as President Joe Biden is gradually resuming in-person classes. The Biden administration aims to fully normalize classes starting from the fall semester.

CNBC stated, "State governments will begin vaccinating students before the fall semester," adding, "This will be a positive signal not only for the normalization of classes but also for the resumption of after-school activities."

Canada expanded the authorized use of Pfizer's vaccine to those aged 12 and older on the 5th. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) plans to announce its decision on allowing use for those aged 12 and older next month.

Meanwhile, Pfizer is also conducting trials for a vaccine for children aged 6 months to 11 years.

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