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Youth

Expanded Vaccine Eligibility for Adolescents: A Major Step towards Safely Reopening Schools and Communities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorizing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 12-15, the path towards safely reopening schools and communities is now clearer. This development marks a significant milestone in the fight against the pandemic, allowing millions of children to get protected against COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective in all ages, with an even better efficacy rate for those aged 12-15, reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 and making in-person teaching, summer camps, and outdoor activities safer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective, with a 95% efficacy rate in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 for all ages, and an even better efficacy rate for those aged 12-15.
  • Vaccines are available via appointment or walk-up at Walmart pharmacies nationwide, with parents and adolescents able to use the digital appointment scheduler to find available Pfizer vaccine locations.
  • Parental consent is often required for minors to get vaccinated, with different states having different rules regarding parental consent.
  • Vaccines are available at no cost, with or without insurance, courtesy of the CARES Act.
  • The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, administered three weeks apart, with the second appointment scheduled at the time of the first dose.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine has been guided by science that has been in development for more than 20 years, with the FDA studying and authorizing the vaccine based on strict safety and efficacy standards.
  • Millions of U.S. adults and older teens have already been safely vaccinated against COVID-19, with millions of children aged 12-15 now eligible to get protected.
  • The vaccination process is crucial in protecting not only individuals but also their families and communities, highlighting the importance of cooperation in-ending the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 95%: The effectiveness rate of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 for all ages, with an even better efficacy rate for those aged 12-15.
  • 20+ years: The duration of development for the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Millions: The number of U.S. adults and older teens who have already been safely vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • 2 doses: The number of doses required for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, administered three weeks apart.
  • 3 weeks: The interval between the two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
  • 2017: The year Walmart Inc. and Contify.com formed their copyright partnership for news releases.

Sources:

  • Walmart Inc. news release, May 13, 2021
  • Contify.com, Copyright 2017

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