“When may the COVID shot be available to teenagers?”

June/July

Studies are in progress to obtain the data needed to submit applications for approval. I expect several months will be needed.
Thanks for the question.

Covid vaccines are currently in clinical trials for children between the ages of 12 and 18. The length of time it will take to complete these trials and get approval from the FDA depends on a number of factors, most importantly how quickly they are able to get enough children enrolled. I expect enrollment to move quickly. If the trial goes well, Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA should be not much more than a formality that might be over in a day. Another issue is that there is a great push to get all the high-risk people vaccinated first, and teenagers obviously don't fall into that category. So, even after the vaccine is approved, it likely won't be given until all the available and willing high-risk people have been vaccinated. I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't say for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were available by the late summer/early fall (but don't quote me!).

Randall Fisher, M.D.