Wednesday, Canada approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine to be used on children aged 12 years and over, becoming the first country to do so.

Health Canada's chief medical advisor, Supriya Sharma, said, “This is the first vaccine authorized in Canada for the prevention of COVID-19 in children and marks a significant milestone in Canada’s fight against the pandemic.”

Studies and data from trials showed the jab is just as safe for adolescents as it is for adults, said Sharma.

Notably, US media reported Monday that the United States is expected to allow the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to children 12 and older, starting next week.

This is a developing story.