To get out of ninth-grade science period one recent Friday, the King twins had an excuse that is so very 2021. Teenagers contract the novel coronavirus almost twice as often as younger children but vaccines authorized in the United States are mostly for adults — Moderna’s for 18 and older, Pfizer’s for 16 and up. Although vaccinating educators will be an important factor in keeping schools open, vaccinating students will also be a key element. Bottom line: If widespread immunity to the coronavirus is to be achieved, adolescents are critical links. They need a Covid vaccine that works for them.

Source: New York Times February 16, 2021 20:03 UTC