The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial registration above is an important step before the vaccine can be used in the 12-15 year olds. This study attracted 2,259 children from 12 to 15 years old to participate.
The COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Pfizer in cooperation with German partner BioNTech, was approved for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration for emergency use in December 2020 for a population of 16 years and older. Dr Evan Anderson, a pediatrician at Emory University School of Medicine, said that vaccines should be tested in younger age groups, thereby ensuring the correct dosage as well as the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in different age groups.
Although less affected by COVID-19 than adults, children can still be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and become ill, and even some, die from COVID-19. According to reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Association of Pediatric Hospitals, as of January 14, 2021, more than 2.5 million cases of children infected with COVID-19 have been reported, accounting for about 13% of all cases.
“Children can still get sick and die from COVID-19,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Center for Immunization Education and a doctor of infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia. “Many children have died from COVID-19 as well as from the flu in the past year. And we recommend a childhood flu shot.”