WISCONSIN — The FDA is expected to authorize Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old, by early next week.

Right now the shot is only approved for those 16 and older.

Dr. Matt Anderson with UW Health expects the safety analysis and type of data released from the clinical trials will be similar to what we saw with Pfizer's already approved vaccine. 

Dr. Anderson did point out an adolescent body is not the same as an adult body. 

"There are going to be some nuances and intricacies, so I think we're going to have to make sure that we're available for those things," he said.  "You know, when you hear the data from the FDA that's going to come out here, sounds like next week or so, we'll have to do a good job of making sure people understand what's similar to what happened with adults.  Is there anything that's different?  What are the considerations people need to be thinking about."

Dr. Anderson hopes people are interested in getting their children vaccinated.  

"That's going to increase our numbers overall which again, as we inch further and further toward that herd immunity type of number, I think that's going to mean less COVID in our communities, and it's going to be really beneficial for us to reduce the risk for all of us whether we're vaccinated or not," he said.