Mayo Clinic Infectious Disease expert weighs in on the effectiveness of Pfizer vaccine for kids
Pfizer said its study showed 100-percent effectiveness in 12 to 15-year-olds
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – Pfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12-years-old, which is a big step toward possibly beginning shots in that age group before they head back to school in the fall.
Pfizer said its study showed 100% effectiveness in 12 to 15-year-olds and they reported high levels of virus-fighting anti-bodies, even higher than in young adults.
Infectious Disease Specialist at Mayo Clinic Health System Dr. Abinash Virk said, “I think that is great news! I think that is particularly great news for the 12 to 16-year-olds who have co-morbidities that put them at increased risk for severe Covid, so that’s excellent news.”
Kids had side effects similar to young adults, according to Pfizer officials.
The main ones are pain, fever, chills, and fatigue, particularly after the second dose.
The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.
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