Top 5 Takeaways

1. Adverse Reactions: Reactions after Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccination in adolescents were generally mild to moderate and transient, with frequencies equal to or slightly higher than after the second primary dose.
2. Myocarditis Reports: Myocarditis was reported less frequently after a booster dose compared to the second primary dose, with a reporting rate of 11.4 per 1 million booster doses among adolescent boys.
3. Nonserious Events: The majority (91.6%) of adverse events reported to VAERS were nonserious, including common issues like dizziness and syncope.
4. V-safe Data: V-safe recorded 3,418 booster doses with common reactions being injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and myalgia, mostly reported the day after vaccination.
5. Public Health Guidance: Health care providers, parents, and adolescents should be aware that local and systemic reactions are expected after booster vaccination, but serious adverse events are rare.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Anne M. Hause, eocevent416@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Hause AM, Baggs J, Marquez P, et al. Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses Among Persons Aged 12–17 Years — United States, December 9, 2021–February 20, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:347–351. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7109e2

Summary

This article reviews the safety of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster doses in adolescents aged 12–17 years, based on data from v-safe and VAERS. Reactions were generally mild to moderate and occurred at frequencies similar to or slightly higher than those after the second primary dose. Myocarditis was less frequently reported after the booster dose.

Methods

The study analyzed adverse events reported to v-safe, a voluntary smartphone-based safety surveillance system, and VAERS, a passive vaccine safety surveillance system. Data were collected from December 9, 2021, to February 20, 2022. Statistical comparisons were made using a multivariable generalized estimating equations model.

Discussion

The findings indicate that adverse reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech booster in adolescents are consistent with those seen after the primary series, with most reactions being mild to moderate. Serious adverse events, including myocarditis, were rare. The data support the safety of booster doses in this age group.

Conclusion

Booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in adolescents aged 12–17 years are generally safe, with most adverse reactions being mild to moderate. Health care providers, parents, and adolescents should be informed about the expected reactions and the rarity of serious adverse events. Continued monitoring and updates will guide future vaccination recommendations.

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