FDA clears Pfizer booster for kids 12-15 years-old

As COVID-19 cases continue to skyrocket in the U.S., the FDA on Monday authorized a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 12 to 15, and for 5 to 11-year-olds who are immunocompromised.

The agency also narrowed the time for all booster shots to 5 months - instead of six months - after the primary doses, saying a shorter window could offer better and quicker protection against the Omicron variant.

COVID cases are surging due to the highly transmissible variant, which health officials say could quickly overwhelm hospitals.

Studies show boosters appear to be protective against Omicron.

Two shots of the mRNA vaccine are about 35% effective against Omicron, but a booster dose increases effectiveness to 75%, according to the CDC based on data from South Africa and the United Kingdom.

In authorizing boosters for young teens, the FDA said it reviewed data on the safety of a third dose provided by the Israeli Ministry of Health including data from over 6,300 individuals 12-to-15 years of age who received a Pfizer shot.

Israel on Sunday said it would offer a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people over 60 and medical staff.