The Food and Drug Administration on Monday expanded the Pfizer COVID-19 booster program for children as young as 12 years.
There is one additional approval needed before adolescents can start getting a third dose of the vaccine, The Associated Press reported.
Currently, anyone 16 years old or older is recommended to get a third dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has to approve the recommendation, with CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky expected to make a decision later this week, the AP reported.
Once fully approved, anyone 12 and older who has already gotten their first two COVID-19 vaccinations can get their booster shot five months after their second dose, instead of at the current six-month mark.
While most children have fewer symptoms from the virus than adults, more children have been hospitalized during the rise in cases mostly due to the omicron variant wave, the AP reported.
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