Results from the COVID-19 vaccine investigation in adolescents were disclosed by Pfizer-BioNTech on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. A recent clinical study involving 2,260 individuals aged 12 to 15 demonstrated that the Pfizer vaccine is secure and efficient, exhibiting a 100% efficacy rate, robust antibody responses, and generally positive participant tolerance, as per a press statement from the corporation.
The research revealed that, on average, teenagers generated more antibodies than those aged 16–25 in a previous Pfizer-BioNTech trial.
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In contrast to the placebo group, which documented 18 instances of COVID-19, the vaccinated individuals witnessed zero cases.
Despite the encouraging outcomes, Pfizer-BioNTech must first present a comprehensive report to the FDA and request emergency use authorization before distributing the vaccine to individuals over 12 years old. The company aims to inoculate youngsters within this age bracket before the commencement of the upcoming school year in September.
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The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine mandates a minimum age of 16 in the United States. Even for more advanced vaccines such as Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, the threshold is set at 18.
While these age restrictions are currently in place based on trial findings, they exclude a significant portion of the population. It is estimated that as of 2019, there are 73 million Americans below 18 years of age.
Importance of Vaccinating Children
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Over 3.4 million children in the United States have tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 25, 2021, constituting approximately 14% of all cases. Although there is limited evidence of severe outcomes in children from COVID-19, they remain susceptible to contracting and transmitting the virus.
Until vaccines receive full authorization for use in children, precautionary measures like social distancing are imperative. A child infected with the virus could potentially transmit it to a fully vaccinated adult.
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Having evidence that vaccinations lower the risk of severe illness or death is reassuring. It is prudent to continue preventive measures like maintaining physical distance from strangers and consistently wearing masks until a significant portion of the population, particularly children, is vaccinated.
Understanding the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on children is crucial for achieving herd immunity. Experts suggest that vaccinating at least 80% of the population against COVID-19 is essential. As of March 2021, only 16.4% of Americans have completed their vaccinations, while 29.4% have received at least one dose.
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Achieving total viral suppression, which includes variant control, can be expedited by vaccinating a larger segment of the population. This underscores the importance of involving children in the overall vaccination campaign.
Ongoing Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Investigations
Pfizer-BioNTech also updated the results of their trial assessing the vaccine’s efficacy in children aged 6-11 in the same announcement. The initial vaccinations for children aged 5-11 commenced last week, with plans to vaccinate those aged 2-5 starting the following week.
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Efforts to broaden access to vaccinations extend beyond Pfizer-BioNTech. Vaccine trials are currently underway for children aged 6 months to 11 years, with Moderna conducting trials for adolescents aged 12 to 17. Similarly, Johnson & Johnson has initiated vaccine trials for young adults.
Vaccination against COVID-19 may become widely accessible for children aged 12 and above by the start of the new school year. However, investigations into the vaccine’s efficacy and safety for younger children are still ongoing.
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Staying informed about the progress of these studies can offer insights into when your child may be eligible for vaccination.