Half of US youth over 12 got at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose -White House

WASHINGTON: Half of children aged 12 to 17 have received at least their first vaccination dose against COVID-19, and the age group is seeing the fastest growth rate in vaccinations, the White House said on Friday.

The announcement comes as children across the United States begin a new school year and vaccinations in general are at an eight-week high, with the highest single-day total of vaccinations since July 3: 1.1 million doses on Thursday. "We have now hit a major milestone in our effort to vaccinate adolescents, 50% of 12 to 17 year olds now have at least their first shot," White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients told reporters.