CDC panel votes to recommend vaccine for children ages 12 to 15

An independent panel of advisers to the CDC voted Wednesday to recommend the Pfizer vaccine for use in children ages 12 to 15.

An independent panel of advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Wednesday to recommend the Pfizer vaccine for use in children ages 12 to 15. It marks a crucial milestone in the nation's push to tamp down COVID-19, with more shots in more Americans' arms helping pave the gradual path towards recovery and a return to normalcy. The Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for this age group Monday. As soon as CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signs off, vaccinating children as young as 12 becomes the official recommendation by the nation's top public health experts. While health experts said it's rare for children to get very sick with COVID-19, there is still a risk. Also, officials hope adolescent vaccinations will help lower the risk of transmission, as classrooms and summer camps both look towards reopening.