AMA Statement on ACIP Recommendation for Use of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine in U.S. Adolescents

President, American Medical Association

“The recommendation approved today by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) supporting the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in individuals age 12-15 years of age brings us one critical step closer to our nation’s goal of achieving widespread vaccination among the U.S. population. This recommendation follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s action earlier this week to authorize the vaccine for use in this population. We know that adolescents 12 years of age and up are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and can contribute to transmission of COVID-19 to others. Having safe and effective vaccine available to this age group will help them return to normal activities and help protect more people from the spread of COVID-19.

“The AMA continues to encourage everyone who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We know physicians are eager to administer COVID-19 vaccines in their offices and this is where patients and parents are most comfortable receiving vaccines. Because physicians are a trusted source of information for patients, their direct conversations and recommendations for patients to get vaccinated will help boost vaccine confidence and result in more people getting vaccinated.

“As we enter this next phase of vaccine administration in the U.S., it will be especially critical for physician practices to have vaccines readily available to vaccinate their patients. We urge the federal government to ensure physician practices have an adequate supply of COVID-19 vaccines and encourage manufacturers to begin offering the vaccine in smaller shipments with fewer doses per vial so physician practices can accommodate patient demand while avoiding unnecessary vaccine waste.”