On Monday evening, the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12–15 under an emergency use authorization and the CDC just unanimously recommended the vaccinations for youth. This is great news and takes us one step closer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FDA carefully reviewed the following data: 2,260 participants ages 12 through 15 who were randomized to either a two-dose placebo or the Pfizer vaccine three weeks apart. There were 18 cases of symptomatic coronavirus infection in the placebo group and zero among the children who received the vaccine, indicating the vaccine was highly effective. Side effects were mild and similar to patients 18–25 years of age with low-grade fever after dose number two as the most common side effect.

Given this promising news, we are now scheduling patients for our first youth vaccination clinic! Please have your family, friends, and loved ones call CrescentCare to schedule a vaccination appointment at 504-821-2601.