The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 to 15 years old under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on May 10, and on May 12, it was recommended for this age group by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Previously, only people 16 and older were eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
The Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for children age 12 to 15, just as it is safe and effective for those age 16 and older. Providers should not vaccinate anyone age 11 and under. No COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in ages 11 and under. Providers should not vaccinate people under 18 with any other COVID-19 vaccine besides Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines are authorized only for age 18 and older.
Children age 12 to 15 will still follow the same recommended vaccine schedule of two Pfizer doses spaced at least 21 days or 3 weeks apart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has also announced that COVID-19 vaccines can now be given without regard to timing of administration of other vaccines. People can now get the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of other vaccines, including on the same day.
Because of this change, children’s required school vaccinations or other recommended vaccines do not need to be scheduled separately from COVID-19 vaccination. This will support timely catch-up on any missing childhood and adolescent immunizations and reduced missed opportunities to ensure children are fully vaccinated.
You can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at www.CovidVaccineWA.org. Visit our COVID-19 Healthcare Provider Resources & Recommendations for more information. If you have questions or concerns, please email Covid.Vaccine@doh.wa.gov.
CDC COCA Call: What Clinicians Need to Know About Pjizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents - May 14,2021 at 11:00 a.m. PDT
This COCA Call will give clinicians an overview of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents who are 12-to-15 years of age. Clinicians will learn about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, vaccine recommendations, and clinical guidance for using the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents in this age group. View the full details here.
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