DOH expands Pfizer EUA to include those aged 12 and up

The Department of Health (DOH) has expanded the emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to include individuals aged 12 and above.

Pediatric doctors' groups, including the Philippine Pediatric Society and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, have welcomed this decision but emphasized that priority remains with older age groups.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the change in authorization after Pfizer submitted evidence of its vaccine's effectiveness for those aged 12 to 15.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that about 29 million children aged 3 to 17 are targeted for vaccination, with plans to vaccinate this age group by the fourth quarter of the year.