Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected on Wednesday. Pfizer's vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2000 US volunteers ages 12 to 15. Another US company, Novavax, has a Covid-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 10, 2021 22:23 UTC