Pfizer Requests Approval for Use in 12-15 Year Olds in the UK

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Pfizer has applied to the UK health authorities for approval to use its COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 12 to 15. This comes just one day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the approval for Pfizer's vaccine to include those aged 12 and older.

On the 11th (local time), a Pfizer spokesperson told major foreign media via email, "We have requested the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to expand the approval to allow vaccination for those aged 12 to 15."

Previously, Pfizer announced that in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving 2,260 participants aged 12 to 15 in the U.S., the vaccine showed 100% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19. Side effects were similar in level to those observed in earlier clinical trials involving participants aged 16 to 25.

After Canada expanded the approval for Pfizer's vaccine to those aged 12 and older on the 5th, the U.S. became the second country to approve its use for ages 12 to 15. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is expected to approve its use for 12 to 15-year-olds as early as the end of this month.

Pfizer is also conducting trials for a vaccine for children aged 6 months to 11 years. The company expects to apply for emergency use authorization for children aged 2 to 11 by September.

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