France to offer vaccines for those 12 and older starting later this month

France will begin offering coronavirus vaccines for children as young as 12 years old beginning June 15.

President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement Wednesday that 12- to 18-year-olds will be eligible for the vaccine in the middle of June, Reuters reported.

The decision comes after the European Commission authorized the Pfizer vaccine for the younger age group Friday.

Pfizer vaccines for 12-year-olds and older have been allowed in the U.S. since May after the FDA granted an emergency authorization use.

Moderna is looking to be the next coronavirus vaccine approved for children as it says its vcaccine is 100 percent effective for 12- to 17-year-olds.

Along with expanded eligibility, Macron said outdoor mask mandates will begin to be lifted on a regional basis in France in accordance with the number of coronavirus cases, according to Reuters.

France recently announced the Eiffel Tower will also reopen this summer for visitors as millions continue to get vaccinated and restrictions continue to be lifted in the country.

The increase in vaccinations led the European Union to begin its vaccine passport system that will allow fully vaccinated individuals to travel freely through all the EU countries starting July 1. 

France has had more than 5.6 million reported coronavirus cases and more than 110,000 deaths.