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

March 31, 2021

Life Sciences & Veterinary Medicine
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Media Contact

Gillian Smith
gillian.smith@cornell.edu
607-254-6235

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

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.”
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