FDA Clears Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Booster for Children as Young as 12
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for children as young as 12. The booster had already been approved for everyone 16 and older.
The move comes as child hospitalizations reportedly rise due to the Omicron variant, and as classes restart after the holidays. The CDC is expected to rule on this expansion of booster shots later this week.
Some coverage from right-rated outlets focused on comments from infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, who said current child hospitalization totals overcount "the number of children who are, quote, ‘hospitalized with COVID,’ as opposed to because of COVID” because children are automatically tested for COVID-19 when admitted to a hospital for any reason. Others highlighted how the FDA didn't consult an advisory panel before issuing the guidance, which the agency had done for previous COVID-19 vaccine decisions.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech Booster for 12- to 15-Year-Olds
U.S. health regulators cleared use of a Covid-19 booster from Pfizer Inc. PFE -3.38% and BioNTech SE BNTX -6.26% in adolescents 12 to 15 years old, expanding access to an extra dose that could bolster the fight against the Omicron variant.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration permitted the additional doses to be given at least five months after the adolescents received their second shot. The agency also cleared boosters for certain children with compromised immune systems age 5 to 11.
Health authorities have been urging people to get a booster, citing early research indicating it is needed to maintain strong...
From the Left
FDA expands booster eligibility to adolescents and shortens time needed after primary series
The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday expanded the emergency use authorization for Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine boosters to children ages 12 to 15.
The agency also shortened the time needed before receiving a booster shot from at least six months after completion of the initial series to at least five months, for everyone 12 and older.
"Throughout the pandemic, as the virus that causes Covid-19 has continuously evolved, the need for the FDA to quickly adapt has meant using the best available science to make informed decisions with the...
From the Right
FDA approves Pfizer coronavirus vaccine boosters for children as young as 12
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday that children as young as 12 can now get booster shots of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.
The decision comes as the omicron variant is rapidly spreading around the U.S. and complicating plans for students to return to classrooms following winter breaks.
Boosters already are recommended for everyone 16 and older, and federal regulators on Monday decided they’re also warranted for 12- to 15-year-olds once enough time has passed since their last dose.
The FDA also said everyone 12 and older eligible for a...
AllSides Picks
April 19th, 2024
April 19th, 2024
April 19th, 2024
More News about Coronavirus from the Left, Center and Right
From the Left
From the Center
From the Right
