UK approves Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds

United Kingdom on Friday approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer (PFE.N) and BioNTech (22UAy.DE)for use on childrem in the age group of 12- to 15-year, following similar clearances in the U.S. and the E.U.

The regulator however said it is now up to Britains's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to decide whether to go ahead and vaccinate this age group.

12- to 15-year-olds are already receiving the Pfizer vaccine dose in the United States. France and Germany plans to start the inoculation to that age group this month. 

Britain's Health and Social Care department said it would provide an update once the JCVI had made its decision.

The chief executive of the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency June Raine said,"(We) have concluded that the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in this age group and that the benefits of this vaccine outweigh any risk," she said.

United Kingdom approves Pfizer/BioNTech COVID shot for 12- to 15-year-olds: Reuters pic.twitter.com/LL2wSXAZrn

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2021