Pfizer Vaccine Expanded For Use In Kids 12 And Older

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday that they have expanded use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to kids as young as 12.

Cities and towns throughout the U.S. are racing to update their vaccine sites. A driving force behind the rush to vaccinate teens is the desire to protect middle and high school students before they return to in-person learning this fall.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health plans to announce their expansion plans in a press conference on Monday.

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The FDA made the decision to expand use of the vaccine after testing more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The FDA study found zero cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents, versus 18 cases of COVID-19 among kids given placebo shots. Researchers also found that kids who received the vaccine ultimately developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.

Canada already expanded the use of Pfizer's vaccine to children as young as 12.

Kids and teens can expect the same side effects as adults. Common side effects include sore arms, flu-like fever, chills or aches. All of those effects indicate that the immune system is kicking into gear.

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