The FDA plans to authorize Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 years

Both pediatricians and parents can breathe a sigh of relief: The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is about to authorize use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 15 over the next several days, according to federal officials.

The news means not only that millions more Americans can get vaccinated, but the goal of reaching herd immunity can be attained even more quickly. It also means that children in this age group would be able to be fully immunized for the 2021 summer as well as for the beginning of the school year 2021-2022.