On Mar. 11, 2022, the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for persons aged 12-15 years. Receipt of 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was shown to be effective in preventing infection with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant in persons aged =12 years.

Children and adolescents aged 5–15 years were tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly, irrespective of symptoms, during July 2021–February 2022. Approximately one half of Omicron infections in unvaccinated children and adolescents were asymptomatic. Two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of Omicron infection by 31% among children aged 5–11 years and by 59% among persons aged 12–15 years.

All eligible children and adolescents should remain up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.