Pfizer asks FDA to authorize vaccines for children ages 12-15

Pfizer and BioNTech requested that the Food and Drug Administration expand vaccine authorization for children ages 12 to 15, the companies shared in a joint statement on Friday.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has already been approved for emergency authorization for people ages 16 and older. Clinical trials have so far found the vaccine to be highly effective in the younger age group, the New York Times reports.

Data from a recent trial found the Pfizer vaccine demonstrated 100% efficacy and “robust antibody response after vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine” in 12- to 15-year-olds with or without prior evidence of Covid infection, according to the statement. The study also found that children in the younger age group tolerated the vaccine similar to those ages 16 and older and side effects were consistent as well.

If approved, the vaccine could help speed up returning to campus for younger teenagers. In California, efforts to reopen schools have largely focused on elementary-age students. However, some districts have already begun offering full-time, in-person instruction to all students.

“These submissions represent a critical step in Pfizer’s and BioNTech’s ongoing efforts to support governments in broadening global vaccination efforts,” the statement said.