The European Commission authorised pharma company Pfizer-BioNTech to use its COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged 12. This paved the way for a broader rollout in the EU after the United States and Canada saw identical clearances.

While vaccination of the younger population in many rich countries is picking up pace, other parts of the world await vaccine, raising eyebrows. In this regard, the WHO has urged the rich countries to follow the States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap, reported the Reuters.

Here’s a list of countries that have approved or considering vaccinating children:

EU Countries

– According to local media, Austria aims to vaccinate over 340,000 children, aged 12-15, by August-end.

– Estonia is planning to vaccinate its teenagers by the autumn.

– France will start vaccinating teenagers from age 12 with Pfizer’s vaccine on June 15.

– Starting June 7, Germany plans to offer the first shot to children aged 12-16. On the same day, Poland would offer to 12-15.

– According to Xinhua news agency, Hungary started inoculating 16-18 in mid-May.

– Italy approved extending the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to 12-15-year-olds on May 31.

– According to local media, Lithuania’s PM had said that the country may start vaccinating children in June.

– Before the academic year starts in September, Spain will vaccinate its children aged between 12 and 17.

Europe (Non-EU)

The United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, San Marino.

Middle East

Israel, Dubai

Asia-Pacific

Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong.

Americas

Chile, the United States, Canada.

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