State approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds

The Washington State Department of Health expanded Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to 12- to 15-year-olds after the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup voted to recommend the vaccine’s immediate use on Wednesday evening.

“Expanding eligibility to this younger age group protects our children and gives families peace of mind. It is the best step we can take as parents to ensure our kids remain in the classroom, can safely spend time with friends, and take part in sports and extracurricular activities,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH. “Research continues to show this vaccine is safe, and I am thrilled it is now an option for parents and their young teens.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director signed off on using the vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds on Wednesday afternoon, and the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency-use authorization amendment to those 12 years and older.

According to the state, Pfizer announced in March that its findings from its trial found the vaccine to be safe and 100% effective in children as young as 12.

A representative of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who’s on the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said the approval for children as young as 12 “is an important step in removing barriers for vaccinating children of all ages,” according to The New York Times.

The State Department of Health stated fewer children have gotten sick with the virus compared to adults. However, children can still be infected and spread the virus.

“Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill and may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, children can die,” according to a DOH release.

Now that Pfizer has gotten approval for children as young as 12, the pharmaceutical company announced its plans to seek further authorization for children 2 to 11 years old this fall and children 6 months to 2 years old at the end of this year, according to a release from DOH.

Cox Media Group