Following a scrutinization of the clinical data, Singapore approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12 to 15 year-olds for the first time in Asia.
Pfizer-BioNTech's press release on March 31, 2021, stated that in 12 to 15-year-old volunteers, BNT162b2 exhibited 100 percent efficacy and strong antibody responses, surpassing those reported in prior research of vaccinated 16 to 25-year-old adults, and was well tolerated.
The Health Sciences Authority on May 18 stated that Pfizer and BioNTech applied on April 13 to expand the vaccination population for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include teenagers aged 12 to 15 years old.
On May 18, after analyzing clinical data submitted by the manufacturer, the Health Sciences Authority decided to broaden the use of vaccination for teens aged 12 to 15, reports Medical Xpress. According to Singaporean officials, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine showed excellent safety and efficacy for this age group of 12 to 15 years old and is similar to the adult population data. Canada was the first country to approve the vaccination for children aged 12 to 15.
Following the discovery of numerous additional clusters, including one linked to a tuition center, Singapore tightened restrictions, reports Medical Xpress. Singapore announced on May 16 that it would close schools due to new COVID-19 strains, such as the one discovered in India, affecting more children. The recent regulations reduced public meetings to two and prohibited restaurant dine-ins.
In Singapore, of the 5.7 million people, approximately 1.4 million received both vaccine doses, with campaigns so far focused on disadvantaged populations, frontline staff, and those over the age of 45.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.
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