Washington, D.C.-Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for 12- to 15-year-old adolescents.
“Like all parents, I’m anxious for this pandemic to end and for America to fully reopen-especially for the mental health and well-being of our children. That’s why I’ve led and urged the administration to follow the science and update CDC guidance for schools to fully reopen. It’s shameful that summer is approaching with another school year about to end and today 100 percent of our schools are not open five days a week and fully in-person. The science-not political science-tells us it is safe and better for the health of children.
“Thanks to the historic innovation of the private sector and Operation Warp Speed, America has led the way with safe and effective vaccines. This decision by the FDA to authorize the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-old adolescents should help equip parents to make the best decisions for their children. This is a decision for parents to make. They should be trusted to do so with the help of their pediatricians-and free from any political influence or pressure."
