Following the FDA’s authorization, the CDC has now recommended the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children between the ages of 12-15.
This follows a study that showed 100% efficacy among the 1,005 participants within the age group who received the shot. From March 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021, approximately 1.5 million COVID-19 cases in individuals 11 to 17 years of age have been reported to the CDC.
“For vaccination to do its job, we must do our critical part. That means vaccinating as many people as possible who are eligible. This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation’s efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19. Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.
The most commonly reported side effects in the adolescent clinical trial participants, which typically lasted 1-3 days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain.
While eligibility has now expanded, data issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health shows that just over 52% of Mississippians plan on vaccinating their children against COVID-19.
The MSDH will hold a news conference Thursday to provide an update on the vaccination effort across the state following today’s announcement by the CDC.
