Everyone 12 or older is now eligible for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

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The FDA authorized the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15 this week and Washington state has expanded vaccine eligibility to include this age group. Pfizer appointments are available!

Every Washington resident 12 or older can now get a COVID-19 vaccine. 

On Monday, the federal Food and Drug Administration expanded Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine to include use in 12-15-year-olds.

Following the FDA's authorization, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Western States Scientific Safety Workgroup recommended the vaccine for immediate use for 12-15-year-olds and the Washington State Department of Health expanded eligibility to include this age group.

The recommendations were made based on evidence from a clinical trial that found the Pfizer vaccine was safe and extremely effective for preventing COVID-19 among children as young as 12.

"This is exciting news for our community, especially as COVID-19 cases are on the rise among teens in Kitsap County," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. "More Kitsap families can now be protected and help slow the spread of a virus that has disrupted schools and workplaces, and continues to put lives at risk."

PFIZER APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE THIS WEEK

Kitsap Public Health District is offering Pfizer vaccine appointments this week at clinics in Bremerton and Port Orchard. Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome.

Minors younger than 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian to be vaccinated at our clinics and children ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Learn more at kcowa.us/vaccine or book an appointment at kphd.timetap.com.

To find more vaccination opportunities, go to vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov. 

Need more help or have questions? Call us at 360-728-2219 (360-728-2218 for Spanish) or email covidvaccine@kitsappublichealth.org. 

Q&A

Can children and teens get COVID-19?

Yes, people of all ages can get COVID-19.

Children who get COVID-19 typically experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, children can become severely ill with COVID-19. As with adults, some children could be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. Children can also spread COVID-19 to others, even if they do not have symptoms. Learn more on the CDC's website.

In Kitsap County, 1,162 of the 7,975 COVID-19 cases reported to date (15%) were reported among residents 18 or younger. Cases among youth have increased significantly in this spring. Over the last four weeks, residents ages 12-18 had the second highest COVID-19 case rate when compared with other age groups. There are currently seven COVID-19 outbreaks connected with schools and childcare centers in our community.

Is Pfizer vaccine safe and effective for kids ages 12-15?

A clinical trial found the Pfizer vaccine was safe and demonstrated 100% efficacy in preventing COVID-19 in 12-15-year-old participants.

According to the FDA, side effects reported by participants in this age group were consistent with those commonly reported by adults, including sore arm, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever, and joint pain. 

“Parents and guardians can rest assured the agency undertook a rigorous and thorough review of all available data,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “As we have with all of our COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorizations.”

Following the FDA's authorization, both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Western States Scientific Safety Workgroup recommended the vaccine for immediate use.

Is the dosage the same for kids?

Yes. People ages 12-15 can receive two doses of Pfizer vaccine, three weeks apart. This is the same dosage and regimen recommended for those 16 years of age and older.

Find more information: 

Questions?

CHA Washington