Murray, Neb.–In a long awaited move by the FDA, the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for 12 to 15 year olds. Currently, Pfizer’s is the only vaccine to have been approved for not only 12 to 15, but also 16 to 18.

This new development will open the doors to people as young as middle school being able to get vaccinated. According to NBC news, health experts have stated that vaccinating teens and children is an important part of ending the pandemic

Vaccinations of young people are likely to aid in the reopening efforts of schools. Resuming in person learning and activities has been a priority for many people, including those in the Biden administration.

The results of the clinical trials appear to be positive. The company released that the two dose vaccine has 100% effectiveness in ages 12 to 15, with similar side effects to those seen in adults.

Pfizer is also in the midst of expanding even further into the under 12 bracket. In March they began trials on 6 month to 11 year olds.

Immunizing people of all ages is essential to preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Without young people getting vaccinated as well as adults, the virus will be able to continue mutating into more dangerous variants, which is why the new approval is a big step in the right direction for a return to normalcy.