Yesterday the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) authorized use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Our office agrees with and supports the recommendation to vaccinate this age group. However, before active vaccination begins, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be meeting tomorrow to discuss clinical guidance on use of the vaccine for adolescents. Subsequently the American Academy of Pediatrics will make official recommendations that our office will follow.
It is expected that the shots will be widely available to 12- to 15-year-olds as early as later this week. The vaccine would be given to adolescents in two doses three weeks apart, the same as for adults. We have heard that health officials plan to focus on making vaccines available through pediatricians’ offices, and we are already an approved, designated vaccine administration center! Unfortunately we have not been given a timeline as to when we can expect to receive any vaccine in our office, as it would be distributed to us by the State of Maryland. If you are eager to get your adolescent vaccinated quickly, we would advise you to seek an appointment at a local pharmacy or vaccine administration center. Please check our office website or Facebook page for updates.
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