US expands use of Pfizer Covid vaccine to include children

US REGULATORS have expanded the use of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine to children as young as 12, offering a way to protect the nation’s adolescents before they head back to school in the autumn.

Shots could begin as soon as tomorrow after a federal vaccine advisory committee issued recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12 to 15-yearolds, with an announcement expected today.

Most Covid-19 vaccines worldwide have been authorised for adults.

Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, with Canada recently becoming the first to expand use to 12 and up.

Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere have eagerly awaited approval for the shot to be made available to more kids.

“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re absolutely delighted,” Pfizer senior vice president doctor Bill Gruber told The Associated Press.