What we know about the Pfizer vaccine for children 12-15
ICPHD may begin vaccinating children ages 12-15 soon - News 11's Arlette Yousif reports
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - As the Food and Drug Administration approves the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 12 to 15 years of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still has some discussion ahead regarding the vaccine.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine study showed only minor side effects for children ages 12 to 15. Imperial County Public Health Department Officer Dr. Stephen Munday says he’s not surprised.
"The data are actually very encouraging. They showed very, very strong efficacy in this age group. Not surprising, ‘cause this is a group that has a very strong immune system and the safety data looked really good as well," says Dr. Munday
Dr. Munday says when the CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup give the green light as well, this younger age group will be able to receive the same Pfizer dosage as those 16-years of age and older.
"Both Moderna and J and J are also looking at safety efficacy in these age groups and we’re expecting that additional vaccines will be made available for this age group in the not too distant future," says Dr. Munday.
But these are not the only COVID vaccine studies underway.
"In addition, there are studies that are ongoing for younger children. We actually expect they will continue to look all the way down to the age of six months, which is the age that we also start administering flu vaccine," says Dr. Munday.
California health officials plan to eliminate the current COVID tier system by June 15, and hope to implement what’s called Beyond the Blueprint. This means more freedom and fewer restrictions, especially when it comes to large gatherings and events.
As Imperial County COVID numbers continue to improve, the County shares a vaccination milestone.
"Pubic health, yesterday met a milestone. We held our 150th clinic out in the community and that’s in 20 weeks and that’s been a mix of small, mid, and large-scale clinics," says Imperial County Public Health Department Director Janette Angulo.
The health department says that vaccine clinics are now open to walk-ins in addition to scheduling appointments in an effort to eliminate any scheduling barriers.
