WASHINGTON D.C. (WBAP/KLIF News) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has paved the way for children ages 12 through 15 to be able to get Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.
The booster shots are already recommended for everyone 16 and older.
In addition to expanding the eligibility age groups, the FDA on Monday also granted emergency use authorization for a third dose for certain immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11 years old.
Those eligible for a booster shot are now encouraged to get one as early as five months after their last dose.
“Throughout the pandemic, as the virus that causes COVID-19 has continuously evolved, the need for the FDA to quickly adapt has meant using the best available science to make informed decisions with the health and safety of the American public in mind,” said Acting FGDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.” With the current wave of the omicron variant, it’s critical that we continue to take effective, life-saving preventative measures such as primary vaccination and boosters, mask wearing and social distancing to in order to effectively fight COVID-19.”
The FDA reviewed real-world data from Israel, including safety data from more than 6,300 individuals 12 through 15 years of age who received a booster dose of the vaccine at least five months following completion of the primary two-dose vaccination.
The agency said in assessing the data for the benefits and risks of the use of booster shots in the younger population, there were no new safety concerns or cases of myocarditis or pericarditis reported to date in the demographic.
Pfizer is studying the effects of the vaccine in children under 5.
Click here to read the FDA’s full statement on the amended EUA.
The move comes as the omicron variant spreads nationwide and kids return to school from the winter break.
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