The FDA cleared the Pfizer COVID-19 booster for 16- and 17-year-olds, expanding eligibility as the Omicron variant spreads.
The decision permits teenagers to receive a third dose of the shot at least six months after their initial series, the Wall Street Journal reports.
“The best way to minimize the spread of Covid-19 and any future variants is getting all eligible people fully vaccinated with the first two-dose series and a booster dose as recommended,” Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla said.
Pfizer has reported that volunteers in its 10,000-subject study testing boosters in people 16 years and older generated strong immune responses and experienced fewer side effects than after the second dose.
