AIFA gives green light for covid-19 vaccine to be used on 12 to 15-year olds.

The Italian drug regulator (AIFA) has approved the Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine for 12 to 15-year olds, according to a statement released on Monday evening.

The decision comes several days after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave its approval for the covid vaccine to be used on the 12-15 age group, paving the way for individual EU states to decide whether or not to offer the vaccine to teenagers.

• Italy's daily covid-19 deaths at seven-month low

AIFA says it "fully accepts" the opinion of the Amsterdam-based watchdog which stated that two doses of the vaccine, branded as Comirnaty, were required in the 12-15 age group.

Marco Cavaleri, the EMA's head of vaccine strategy, said that an interval of at least three weeks between the two doses would be required, reports the BBC.

• Italy's covid-19 contagion rate continues to fall

Cavaleri said trials showed that the Pfizer vaccine was "highly preventative" for covid-19 in children.

He added that the vaccine was “well tolerated” in adolescents and there were no “major concerns” in terms of side effects.

For official information relating to the covid-19 situation in Italy - in English - see the health ministry website.

Photo: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com.