Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine, Just Like Pzifer’s, Proves 100% Effective in Adolescents Aged 12 to 15

     Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine showed to be 100% effective in adolescents aged 12 to 17 in a clinical trial, the company announced today.

    The findings are the result of a U.S. study that involved more 3,700 kids. Moderna intends to submit its heartening findings to regulators around the world in early June to request authorization for the use of the vaccine in younger adolescents.

     The great news about Moderna’s vaccine comes two months after Pfizer first announced that its COVID-19 vaccine was safe and 100% effective in kids aged 12-15. On May 10, Pfizer's shot received expanded FDA emergency-use approval for young adolescents.

     “I couldn’t believe my phone when I saw that statistic,” said Ted Long, MD, MHS, who is senior vice president of the Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals, at the time.

     "We are encouraged that mRNA-1273 was highly effective at preventing COVID-19 in adolescents. It is particularly exciting to see that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection," said Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, in a statement . "We will submit these results to the U.S. FDA and regulators globally in early June and request authorization. We remain committed to doing our part to help end the COVID-19 pandemic."

     Moderna said its shot was "generally well-tolerated" by young teens, who experienced similar side effects, which were mild, to those reported in previous clinical trials with adult subjects. 

     Arm pain at the places where the injections were given was the most commonly reported side effect. Fully vaccinated participants experienced headaches, fatigue, chills, and sometimes muscle pain.

(PHOTO BY: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)