Cuomo: Youths on deck for shot
Vaccinations for children ages 12 to 15 may start in state as soon as Thursday
Vaccinations against COVID -19 for adolescents as young as 12 could begin as soon as Thursday in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer-biontech’s coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in adolescents as young as 12 on Monday, after a clinical trial found the vaccine to be extremely effective with mild to no side effects in participants between the ages of 12 and 15.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is holding an emergency meeting Wednesday to review the data and is expected to vote in the afternoon on whether to recommend vaccination for this age group.
On Tuesday, Cuomo said the state’s own Clinical Advisory Task Force would meet following the CDC review and also make a final recommendation on whether to expand New York’s vaccine eligibility to the 12-to-15-year-old age group. Those age 16 and over are currently eligible for the vaccine in New York and across the country.
“As we have with the authorization of each COVID -19 vaccine and subsequent changes, we will use science and data to determine the safest path forward for New Yorkers,” he said.
Based on the timeline for review, Cuomo said full authorization for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 could start as early as Thursday in New York. “The COVID -19 vaccine is our best weapon to defeat the virus, and we’re taking all the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our vaccine program,” he said.
More than 2,200 people between the ages of 12 and 15 enrolled in Pfizer’s clinical trial based in the U.S., with half receiving the vaccine and half receiving
a placebo. Participants were then followed for safety for at least two months following the second dose.
Those who received the real shot developed a robust immune response and none developed COVID -19, scientists found. Some of the participants reported similar side effects as adults who’ve been vaccinated, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain. Some reported no side effects.
Clinical trials are currently under way to determine vaccine efficacy and safety in even younger age groups, and Pfizer has said its vaccine could be available for children as young as 2 by this fall — dependent, of course, on the outcomes of those trials and government recommendations.
Counties prepare
Albany County Executive Dan Mccoy praised the FDA’S decision to expand eligibility to adolescents as young as 12, and said Tuesday that the county is waiting for a recommendation from the CDC and further guidance from the state before it moves forward with vaccinating that population.
“With that being said, I continue to urge those who are currently eligible to roll up their sleeves and get the shot at any of our (clinics) coming up,” he said, noting that a female resident in her 50s had been confirmed dead from COVID -19 overnight.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen urged pediatricians and school districts last week to prepare for the expanded authorization to 12- to 15-year-olds, and said pediatricians who are not currently certified to administer vaccine should seek that approval now.
She also said the county was tentatively planning to open its vaccination clinic planned for this Thursday to the younger age group if authorization was granted in time. That clinic is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center at 55 Eagle St.
The county is also offering daily vaccinations at its Department of Health site at 175 Green St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekly clinics on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, at 275 State St. in Albany, in partnership with CDPHP and Focus Churches of Albany.
Appointments are not required at any of the sites.