Moderna requests FDA authorization to give adolescents COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna has petitioned federal regulators to clear its COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, the company announced Thursday.

“We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for an emergency use authorization for our COVID-19 vaccine with the FDA for use in adolescents in the United States,” said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel. “We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents. … We remain committed to helping to end the COVID-19 pandemic.”