Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and protects kids as young as 12

Pfizer has announced its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12.

In a study of 2,200 and 60 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15, Pfizer reports preliminary data showed there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among those given dummy shots.

It’s a small study, that hasn’t yet been published, so another important piece of evidence is how well the shots revved up the kids’ immune systems.

Researchers reported high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, somewhat higher than were seen in studies of young adults.

Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older.

Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus.