Kids ages 12 to 15 are eligible for COVID vaccine in Arizona
ADHS says they can receive the vaccine starting Thursday, May 13
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona vaccination sites are ready to begin vaccinating children 12 to 15 years old.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) said sites in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff will start vaccinating 12 to 15 years old on Thursday, May 13, following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free ‒ and they’re our best shot to end this pandemic and return to the things we’ve missed. We’re moving quickly to empower parents and guardians to get this protection for their children,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “Millions of Arizonans have already received the COVID-19 vaccine. Soon, kids ages 12 to 15 years old will now be eligible to get vaccinated, and state vaccine sites are ready to serve them.”
ADHS said 5,383,508 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to 3,068,234 people, with 2,517,206 now fully vaccinated.
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children of those ages. The Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines remain authorized for those 18 and older.
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome these young people to state-run mass-vaccination sites starting Thursday,” said Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Director Dr. Cara Christ. “These safe, highly effective, and free vaccines are our best shot at returning to normal, and having more vaccinated individuals gives COVID-19 less of a chance of spreading.”
A parent or guardian must accompany the child and sign a consent form in person and that the child is at least 12 years old.
No identification is required for the child.
Parents and guardians also will be able to register those ages 12 to 15 for vaccination starting at 8 a.m. Thursday by clicking here or calling 844-542-8201.
