BERLIN, (Reuters) -The German STIKO vaccine Committee recommended Thursday that every child between 12 and 17 years old receive a COVID-19 boost shot. However, the European Union drug regulator is yet to give approval.

Germany is now the first to recommend the move, joining Israel, the United States and Hungary as the few countries that have already made this recommendation.

According to the committee, the third dose of mRNA should come from BioNTech/Pfizer. It should be administered within three months following the second shot.

In a statement, STIKO stated that the current situation with a dramatic increase in cases and the feared implications for Germany’s health system makes it imperative to expand the vaccination campaign.

It was noted that although data was limited on safety and efficacy of the booster vaccine for 12–17-year olds, severe side effects were not likely.

Germany, which has yet to give regulatory approval for the European Medicines Agency (EMA), would bear any liability related to boosters for this age group.

The EMA indicated this week that they were reviewing the possibility of extending booster approval. Pfizer (NYSE: ) Shots for adolescents 16 and 17 years old. Drugmakers are expected to apply also for the 12–15 age bracket.

CASES HIT NEW HIGH

Germany was struggling to contain the Omicron variant of coronavirus that, one week ago, caused approximately 44% of all cases. However, Thursday saw a record number of 81 417 daily infections. This brings the total seven-day incidence rate to 427.7 for every 100,000 people.

COVID-19 is responsible for more than 150,000 deaths and 45.1% has been given a booster.

Karl Lauterbach is the Health Minister and he welcomed the recommendation from STIKO. STIKO was previously criticized for putting off making such recommendations.

These important assessments have current daily relevance. The minister said that it was a positive thing that the vaccine commission responded so fast.