Vaccination Fever Among 12-15 Year Olds Energizes US Vaccine Campaign

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As leading countries in vaccine administration are approving COVID-19 vaccinations for ages 12 to 15, it has been revealed that teenagers, who hold the key to achieving herd immunity in the United States, are actively cooperating.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 29th (local time) that "thanks to enthusiastic adolescents, the vaccination campaign is gaining momentum."

Despite government efforts to increase vaccination rates in the U.S., the pace of vaccinations in other age groups has slowed since last month.

However, 2.5 million individuals aged 12 to 15 completed their first dose within two and a half weeks of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine becoming available to them. The NYT stated, "Vaccinees aged 12 to 15 accounted for one in four of all vaccinated individuals during the same period."

The 12 to 15 age group makes up only 5% of the U.S. population. Experts, however, believe that vaccinating this age group significantly benefits the nation as it encourages other age groups to get vaccinated.

Dr. Rebecca Weintraub of Harvard Medical School said, "Children who look forward to attending classes and playing with friends are enthusiastic about getting vaccinated."

Public health experts predict that just as adult vaccination enthusiasm cooled, the vaccination pace among teenagers will also slow down soon.

Tara Kirk Sell, senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, commented on the high vaccination rate among 12 to 15-year-olds, saying, "Parents excited that their children are getting vaccinated rushed to get them vaccinated quickly, but maintaining that interest is difficult."

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