US expands use of Pfizerโs COVID-19 vaccine, paving way for children as young as 12 to get shots
On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. The FDA amended the EUA originally issued on Dec. 11, 2020 for administration in individuals 16 years of age and older.
FDA addresses COVID vaccine concerns in news briefing: What to know
In a rare weekend press conference, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -- who is responsible for authorizing widespread use of Pfizerโs coronavirus vaccine on Friday -- discussed some of peopleโs biggest concerns about the vaccine. Amid two recent cases of allergic reactions to Pfizerโs coronavirus vaccine in the U.K., FDA officials addressed concerns about individuals with a history of allergic reactions receiving the vaccine. FDA officials said Saturday that theyโve followed that process when reviewing Pfizerโs vaccine, and they feel confident that it is safe for this age group to receive the shots. During Saturdayโs news briefing, officials made it clear that pressure from the White House did not force the FDA to authorize use of the vaccine too early. More: Report: White House to FDA chief: Approve Pfizer vaccine Friday or quitโWeโre going to maintain the integrity of the scientific process,โ Hahn added.