Pfizer announces COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children

ALPENA, Mich. — Results from the latest clinical trial of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine show a 100 percent efficacy rating in protecting children as young as 12 from the virus.

The trial tested over 2,000 children between the ages of 12 and 15. Of those who received the vaccine, zero cases of COVID-19 were reported. Eighteen cases were reported in the children who received the placebo.

This data marks a huge step in possibly administering shots to students prior to the start of the next school year. Pfizer’s vaccine is currently the only one available for children who are at least 16- an age group gaining eligibility in various states. The company plans to submit their new results to the Food and Drug Administration soon to expand their emergency use authorization.

Currently, most vaccines available worldwide are for adults, who are more at-risk than children. However, experts say vaccinating children is an important step in ending the pandemic.

Results are also expected soon from a similar trial for Moderna’s vaccine, which was tested in the United States on 12-to-17-year-old children.