PFIZER is seeking approval from Britain for the use of its COVID-19 vaccine among 12- to 15 years old.
The company has submitted data to the health regulator, paving the way for the vaccination of adolescents in the country.
"I can confirm we've submitted data on the efficacy of the vaccine in 12 to 15 year olds for review by U.K. MHRA," an official for the U.S. drugmaker told Reuters.
United States and Canada have already approved Pfizer’s vaccine developed along with Germany's BioNTech for use against COVID-19 infections in children and young adults.
The drugmakers have said their shot is safe, effective, and produced robust antibody responses in children as young as 12 years of age.
Health officials are banking on vaccines to end the pandemic, but are worried that some parents will be hesitant in vaccinating their children due to fears of potential side effects and long-term risks. Kids under 12 have so far been less susceptible to COVID-19.
The vaccine, which uses mRNA technology to deliver instructions to the human body to build immunity against the illness, is also being tested in children aged two to 11. The safety and efficacy data expected in September, Pfizer said.
Although other drugmakers, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, are working on vaccines for children. However, Pfizer and BioNTech have managed to steal a march.
Comirnaty vaccine manufactured by Pfizer is also under an EU review for use in children aged 12 to 15 years, with the head of the region's medicines regulator saying an approval could come as early as end-May.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images