FAQ: What You Need To Know About Pfizer's COVID Vaccine And Adolescents
Teens and preteens in the U.S. have spent much of the past year distance learning. Many have missed out on birthday parties, book clubs, team sports and hanging out with groups of friends.
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration signaled that relief from all that may be nigh: Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for use in kids ages 12 to 15 (older teens and all adults were previously eligible).
The authorization expands the pool of eligible vaccine recipients to around 87% of the total U.S. population, covering an additional 17 million children, and comes at a time when people under age 18 account for one out of every five newly reported coronavirus infections.
The ability to get vaccinated is crucial for this group, Dr. Nia Geard-Harris, a pediatrician and researcher at Northwestern University's School of Medicine tells NPR. "It promotes the potential to gather and socialize and continue on — which is just as important for children as for adults."
Kids and their parents have lots of questions. Here's what we've learned so far:
When can this group start getting their shots?
A to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
