Parents in the UAE are urged to get their kids vaccinated against COVID-19 following the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) decision to approve the emergency use of the Pfizer jabs for teens aged 12-15.
The UAE has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use for the 12 to 15 years age group after the results of stringent clinical trials and assessment approved its use in exigent circumstances.
The approval was a shot in the arm supporting the country’s efforts to protect children in this age group from the deadly virus.
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The US Food and Drug Administration also approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children as young as 12.
Medical experts in the UAE welcomed the development which will boost the country’s readiness against new and emerging strains of the coronavirus.
Dr Faisal Dalvi, specialist internal medicine, Burjeel Hospital told Khaleej Times the new variants such as the UK, South Africa and Brazil are driving the surge in severe cases, ICU admissions and fatalities in the age group in various countries.
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According to paediatrics and neonatology specialist Dr Abdul Majeed of Aster Clinic, describes the approval as timely and relief for parents.
“Now, they will be able to secure their children against the deadly virus. With the newer versions of the virus detected in different parts of the world, this is a timely approval,” he said,. (RA)