Canada has authorised the use of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 15.
It is the first country to do so for that age group.
The country’s health ministry made the decision based on data from phase three clinical trials on children that age.
“The department determined that this vaccine is safe and effective when used in this younger age group,” an adviser at the ministry said. Pfizer says its jab works well in the age group.
Canada has already authorised the use of the Pfizer vaccine in people over 16.
The country has recorded more than 1.2 million coronavirus cases and roughly 20% of those have been in people under the age of 19.
Children’s risk of becoming very ill or dying with Covid-19 is tiny, and throughout the pandemic they have very rarely needed hospital treatment.
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As part of the vaccine’s approval, Pfizer will have to continue providing information to Canada’s health ministry on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine in those aged 12 to 15.
Last March, Pfizer said initial results from trials of its vaccine in this age group showed 100% efficacy and a strong immune response.
US President Joe Biden this week laid out plans to roll out vaccines for 12-15 year-olds as soon as possible. US media has reported that the authorisation could come as early as next week.
What about other vaccine manufacturers?
Pfizer is one of a number of vaccine manufacturers testing jabs on children. The aim of vaccinating them – particularly older children – would be to keep schools open, reduce the spread of coronavirus in the community and protect vulnerable children with conditions which put them at increased risk.
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are currently testing their vaccines on those aged 12-18 with Moderna’s data expected soon.
Moderna and Pfizer are also testing their jabs on younger children between six months and 11-years-old.
In the UK, AstraZeneca is testing its vaccine on 300 child volunteers. Researchers will assess whether the jab produces a strong immune response in children aged between six and 17.
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