FDA approves Pfizer vaccines for 12 to 17 years old

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) issued to Pfizer-BioNTech for its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine to allow its use for individuals aged 12 to 17.

The FDA directive amending the EUA was dated May 28, 2021.

However, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said adults will enjoy preference over adolescents because the vaccine supply remains low.

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

Vergeire earlier said children have the lowest risk of getting hospitalized for severe Covid-19.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said vaccination of teenagers may start in the fourth quarter of 2021.

“Nakikita po namin baka fourth quarter po [magsimula] kasi doon po dadagsa, may makukuha po tayo na mga Pfizer, Sinovac, at ‘yung Moderna,” he said.

Covid-19 vaccines developed by Chinese firm Sinovac, and American firms Moderna and Pfizer are being administered to adolescents in some parts of the world.

Vergeire earlier said the FDA will study the use of Sinovac vaccine in minors once its manufacturer submits a revision of its emergency use authorization in the Philippines.

Galvez said the vaccination of around 29 million minors in the country is also important to achieve herd immunity and pave the way for the resumption of face-to-face classes in the country. (SunStar Philippines)