Moderna’s data in kids ages 12-17 “consistent with a vaccine efficacy of 100%”

Enlarge / A vial of the current Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (credit: Getty | Ivan Romano)

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine appears safe and highly effective in adolescents ages 12 to 17, according to the top-line results of a small clinical trial the company announced Tuesday.

The company plans to submit the trial data to the US Food and Drug Administration early next month, seeking authorization for expanded use in the age group.

If the FDA grants the authorization, Moderna's vaccine will be the second COVID-19 vaccine available for use in kids as young as 12 in the US. Earlier this month, the FDA authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use in adolescents ages 12 to 15. (The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was initially authorized for use in people ages 16 and up, while Moderna's was initially authorized for use in people ages 18 and up.)

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