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Why can't 16-year-olds get Moderna or J&J vaccines?

Officials have said the Pfizer vaccine is ok for anyone over the age of 16, but why is that?

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Starting on April 7, group 5, the general public, can get vaccinated. Keep in mind, the Pfizer vaccine is only for those 16 and older.

The Moderna and Johnson, Johnson, & Janssen vaccines are available for those 18 and up. But why is that? We went to Cone Health's Chief Pharmacy Officer DeAnne Brooks for an answer. She said, "It's just very simply, that's who the vaccine study design was designed for. So it was designed for anybody 16 and older or anybody 18 and older."

Brooks also said studies are underway for vaccine-use in minors. But it could take 6 months to a year before they're finished. 

Medical experts say kids being vaccinated will be necessary for the country to reach herd immunity. 

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