Wisconsin offering Pfizer COVID vaccine for children ages 12-15

May 12, 2021 7:37 PM

Brandon Arbuckle,

Posted: May 12, 2021 7:37 PM

Updated: May 12, 2021 7:52 PM

by Brandon Arbuckle

Vaccination Rates To Accelerate In Germany — (Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images)

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced children ages 12-15 are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccinations for the age group can start as early as Thursday. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses and is the first and only vaccine available for the group.

The news comes hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the use of Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds.

“This pandemic has been tough on everyone, but I know it has been especially hard for our kids,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “Now with a COVID-19 vaccine available for the first time, we can offer our children protection against the virus. Whether they are at school, playing ball with their friends, or taking a family vacation, vaccinating your kids means they can get back to doing the things they love while also staying safe and healthy.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s request to expand the emergency use authorization for kids as young as 12 on Monday.

DYK? The Pfizer #COVID19 vaccine is safe and 100% effective at preventing COVID-19 in 12-15 year olds. Plus, getting vaccinated brings us closer to bouncing back.
⏺ Learn more: https://t.co/K21YQqoKQP
⏺ Find a Pfizer vaccine near you: https://t.co/se6dPR6VRp pic.twitter.com/Pb1RZG8Qv8

— WIDeptHealthServices (@DHSWI) May 13, 2021

“Our nation’s leading medical experts deemed the Pfizer vaccine safe for this age group, and the initial data shows the vaccine is 100% effective in preventing COVID-19,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “This is a game changer—especially as we are experiencing an increase in cases, hospitalizations, and reports of long-term symptoms in younger people. We are asking parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated as soon as they can.”

Parents and guardians can schedule a vaccination for children with health care providers, community-based vaccination clinics, local and tribal health departments or pharmacies.