Pfizer vaccine for kids may play ‘critical role’ in return to normalcy

Pfizer-BioNTech announced Wednesday its coronavirus vaccine is extremely effective in children ages 12 to15. No infections were found among children who received the vaccine in a recent clinical trial – news which may signal a speedy return to normalcy for Americans. 

Isaac Weisfuse, medical epidemiologist at Cornell University, says this new data could signal a shift in efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic. 

Weisfuse says: 

“Pfizer’s announcement of the effectiveness of its vaccine amongst adolescents is welcome news. Following FDA approval, the vaccine will play a critical role in the battle against COVID-19. 

“The many benefits of vaccinating adolescents include: 

• Increased safety and reassurance in opening middle and high schools next fall.
• Larger family gatherings.
• Safe resumption of activities such as sports, clubs, social and other extracurricular activities.
• Allowing parents to return to work without worrying about unsupervised children.
• A critical step towards achieving herd immunity which will help the entire country get back to normal.”