Youth 12-15 now eligible for Pfizer vaccine with parental consent

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

Hays County Courthouse, TX – Vaccine providers are now able to give the Pfizer COVID-19 shot to adolescents between ages 12-15 following a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) expansion of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) with the manufacturer.

“Based on a recent recommendation by the Texas Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Pfizer vaccine can now be dispensed to adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15,” said Hays County Local Health Director Tammy Crumley.

She added that the vaccine must be administered in accordance with the FDA’s updated emergency use authorization (EUA). If the vaccine recipient is a minor, a parent, guardian or caregiver must be provided a fact sheet prior to vaccination. In Texas, parental consent is required for the vaccination of children in this age group, which may be given orally or in writing. The HCLHD recommends that a parent or legal guardian accompany the adolescent receiving the vaccine. 

“Having a parent or guardian present ensures we receive necessary and accurate medical information regarding the minor,” Crumley said.

She said she is in agreement with the Texas Department of State Health Services that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While children are less likely than adults to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19, they can be infected with the virus and spread infection in their homes and communities,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and chair of the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, in a letter to vaccine providers. “DSHS believes that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic and have a direct and positive effect on schools being open for classroom learning.”

Crumley reminded the public that only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized for immunizing adolescents 12 years and older. Both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for ages 18 years and older. Most Hays County vaccine clinics use the Pfizer product.

Texas has administered nearly 19.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. About 52 percent of residents 16 years old and older have received at least one dose, and 40 percent are now fully vaccinated.

Learn more about vaccine opportunities on haysinformed.com.

Vaccination opportunities for ages 12-17 in Hays County:

Please note, the no appointment vaccine clinic this evening (May 13) at Dunbar Recreation Center (5-10 p.m.) in San Marcos will offer the Pfizer vaccine to youth age 12-15 with parental consent.

The Curative clinic (appointment recommended for best experience) offered at the Hays CISD Administrative complex this week (5/13-5/14) in Kyle WILLvaccinate children 12-17 based on these guidelines: Parents/Guardians must complete a consent form and will be required to accompany their minor (12+) to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Visit Curative.com to pre-book an appointment for your child and complete the online consent form.