May 18, 2021 Pfizer Vaccine Approved for 12- to 15-Year-Olds The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in children ages 12 to 15 years old. Once all approvals are in place, vaccine providers will begin vaccinating eligible children. About The CDC recommends that everyone ages 12 years old and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the virus. Currently, children ages 12 to 15 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Two Doses: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses. Individuals will have to return to their vaccination provider after three weeks to receive the second dose before their vaccination has been complete. Common Side Effects: Your child may experience side effects such as arm pain, redness, or swelling; tiredness; headache; muscle pain; nausea; chills; or fever. These are normal signs that their body is building protection and should go away in a few days. Some experience no side effects. Vaccine Card: You will receive a vaccination card that tells you which vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. It will also include a reminder that a second dose is needed. Cost: COVID-19 vaccines are provided at no cost. Providers cannot charge you for the vaccine, fees, copays, or coinsurance. Providers cannot deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage. Avoid Scams: If a provider asks you to pay, it is a scam. Do not share personal or financial information if someone contacts you promising access to the vaccine for an extra fee. After your family is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, your family can begin to resume activities you did prior to the pandemic. Schedule a Vaccine Appointment People interested in scheduling an appointment can find Pfizer vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov, by texting their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish, or by calling 1.800.232.0233. The text option will send three possible vaccinations in the area straight to your phone. Language Support: If you speak a language other than English or Spanish and need help finding a vaccine provider (or have questions about the vaccine), call 1.800.232.0233. More Information For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens, visit the CDC website. TweetShare4PinShare4 Shares
