In a recent press release, Pfizer has announced that its vaccine is 100% effective in children aged 12 to 15 years.
In January, Pfizer began phase 3 clinical trials for its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 12 to 15 years. The researchers recruited over 2,000 children from across the United States. They then divided the study participants into a vaccine and placebo group. Last week, Pfizer announced the results of its trial in a company press release. According to the statement, the Pfizer vaccine was 100% effective at protecting 12- to 15-year-old from coronavirus. However, these results are yet to be published or peer-reviewed.
All 2,260 study participants had no evidence of prior infection. In the placebo group, doctors observed 18 cases of COVID-19, whereas no cases occurred in the vaccine group. Thus, demonstrating a vaccine efficacy of 100%. Blood tests conducted a month after the second dose revealed a strong immune response. Stronger than that observed in 16 to 25 years old. Furthermore, the vaccine group tolerated the side-effects well with no observance of any adverse reactions.
The initial results we have seen in the adolescent studies suggest that children are particularly well protected by vaccination, which is very encouraging given the trends we have seen in recent weeks regarding the spread of the B.1.1.7 UK variant. It is very important to enable them to get back to everyday school life and to meet friends and family while protecting them and their loved ones
Ugur Sahin, CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech.
Researchers plan to monitor the participants for an additional 2 years after the second dose to assess for long-term immunity and safety.
Pfizer Seeks FDA Approval
According to the press release, Pfizer and BioNTech plan to submit their data to the FDA for emergency use authorization. Pfizer’s CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla hopes vaccination in this age group can begin before the start of the next school year.
Pfizer is currently conducting vaccine trials in children below 12 years of age. They have already administered the first dose in three age groups: children aged 5 to 11 years, 2 to 5 years, and 6 months to 2 years. Furthermore, last month, Moderna also began clinical trials of its vaccine in children younger than 12 years.
Although multiple vaccine makers have conducted their vaccine trials in the past, children, pregnant and lactating women have largely been excluded from these trials. However, researchers are now suggesting expanding these trials to help achieve herd immunity faster.
Reference:
Biontech announce positive topline results of pivotal covid-19 vaccine study in adolescents. (2021, March 31). Retrieved April 03, 2021, from https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results-pivotal
