FDA allows Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 years old

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters aged 12 to 15 years, according to the Department of Health. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) given to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to include those 12 years and older in its indication for immunization.

“The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine shall be administered only by vaccination providers, and used only to prevent COVID-19 in individuals ages 12 and older,” read the amended EUA.

In January, the EUA allowed the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be given to people aged 16 and up.

This was considered an important move toward reopening of schools and increase the level of immunity in the country.

However, due to limited vaccine supply, priority remains the health workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities in the government’s vaccination program.

“While we welcome more vaccines that are approved for children and adolescents, due to limited vaccine supply, our vaccination strategy remains the same—prioritize the vulnerable and adhere to our prioritization framework,” Vergeire said.

“The general consensus of our vaccine experts is to revisit pediatric and adolescent vaccination once our vaccine supply has stabilized,” she added.

The DOH said it is considering the possibility of using the Sinovac vaccine for children and adolescents.

Since the vaccination program started, only 1.5 million people have completed the two doses, while over 4.4 million have received their first dose.