Ahead of key CDC meeting on vaccinating adolescents, Pfizer files for full FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control’s independent advisory committee will meet May 12 for what’s expected to be a discussion of Pfizer’s request to authorize the emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine on children aged 12 to 15. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will discuss efficacy and safety data that has been under review by the Food and Drug Administration for several weeks. Pfizer, after indicating plans to do so earlier this week, formally filed for full FDA authorization of its vaccine for ages 16 and up. Full approval likely will increase the potential of more employers requiring vaccination.