Pfizer vaccination begins for 12 and up

Local public health officials confirmed Thursday that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for individuals 12 to 15 years of age.

This follows the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement this week of the authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use for individuals for this age group. Officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommended the use of vaccine for persons 12 to 15 years old May 12.

“It is welcome news for many families that the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for adolescents 12 years of age and older, especially as school campuses are returning to in-person instruction,” said Imperial County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday. “The possibility of having their children vaccinated will give many parents the peace of mind that their children are protected from suffering severe illness from COVID-19. Offering the vaccine to a younger population will be another way to get our community to immunity much faster.”

The Pfizer vaccine is now available for individuals 12 and older at various locations throughout the county. The community is encouraged to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment using the My Turn system at https://myturn.ca.gov or by calling the CA COVID-19 Hotline at (833) 422-4255. The hotline operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vaccine availability at local pharmacies and other federally funded vaccine providers may be located using VaccineFinder at http://vaccinefinder.org.