The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents aged 12 to 15.
On Wednesday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on an advisory panel’s recommendation endorsing the use of the vaccine in adolescents.
Yesterday, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 14-0 in favor of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in younger teens, according to Medscape Medical News.
Dr. Walensky said in a statement, “CDC now recommends that this vaccine be used among this population, and providers may begin vaccinating them right away.”
On May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents aged 12 to 15.
The FDA first issued approval for Pfizer’s vaccine in December for individuals aged 16 and older.
Dr. Walenksy urged parents to seriously consider vaccinating their children. She said, “Understandably, some parents want more information before their children receive a vaccine. I encourage parents with questions to talk to your child’s healthcare provider or your family doctor to learn more about the vaccine.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a statement yesterday in support of vaccinating all children aged 12 and above who are eligible for the federally approved COVID-19 vaccine.
AAP President Dr. Lee Savio Beers said, “As a pediatrician and a parent, I have looked forward to getting my own children and patients vaccinated, and I am thrilled that those ages 12 and older can now be protected.”
“The data continue to show that this vaccine is safe and effective,” she added. “I urge all parents to call their pediatrician to learn more about how to get their children and teens vaccinated.”
The federal agencies’ clearance of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a critical step for allowing schools to resume across the United States.
Dr. Beers said, “We’ve seen the harm done to children’s mental and emotional health as they’ve missed out on so many experiences during the pandemic.”
“Vaccinating children will protect them and allow them to fully engage in all of the activities — school, sports, socializing with friends and family — that are so important to their health and development,” she added. The article was published on Medscape Medical News.
