CDC Announces Recommendation of Pfizer Vaccine for 12-15 Year Olds

May 13, 2021

There have been over 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 amongst children, with more hospital cases than the annual flu in an average year (1). Most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, however, some children can develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after a COVID-19 infection and require hospitalization.

Yesterday, the CDC announced their recommendation to use the Pfizer vaccine in children ages 12-15 (2). While 12-15-year-olds account for roughly 5% of the US population, their ability to transmit the virus is thought to increase with age, and inoculating this age group against COVD-19 will increase immunity as a whole. Reports from clinical trials submitted to the FDA and reviewed by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices verify the dose used for adults is safe and effective in this younger age group. This means many of the unused vaccine doses can be redirected to inoculate children.