Pfizer-BioNTech COVID jab fully effective in age 12-15

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - Pfizer announced Monday its COVID-19 vaccine developed with its German partner BioNTech is fully effective in young people aged 12-15.

The companies' findings from Phase 3 trial showed that a two-dose series of their vaccine, 30-microgram per dose, was 100% effective against COVID-19, measured seven days through over four months after the second dose.

The results were based on an analysis of 2,228 participants in the trial, Pfizer said in a statement.

Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla said "rates of COVID-19 [are] climbing in this age group in some regions, while vaccine uptake has slowed."

BioNTech CEO and Co-founder Ugur Sahin said the results are "the first and only disclosed longer-term data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 12 through 15 years of age."

Canada on Thursday approved the Prizer-BioNTech two-dose vaccine for children age 5 to 11.

The Prizer-BioNTech vaccine also received approval in the US on Friday for their COVID-19 booster shots for adults, which will be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series.