Pfizer COVID Vaccine Authorized for Children Ages 12-15: Retailers Offer Vaccinations Nationwide

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted authorization for the Pfizer COVID vaccine for use in children ages 12 to 15, paving the way for widespread inoculations across the country. Multiple retailers, including Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, have begun offering the vaccine at their pharmacies nationwide, with parents able to schedule appointments or walk-in for their children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pfizer COVID vaccine has been authorized for use in children ages 12 to 15, with two doses administered three weeks apart.
  • Retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens have begun offering the vaccine at their pharmacies nationwide.
  • Parents can schedule appointments or walk-in for their children, with parental consent required in most instances.
  • Vaccines are available at no cost to individuals, with or without insurance, through the CARES Act.
  • CVS and Walgreens require parental or legal guardian consent and recommend that children be accompanied by an adult.
  • Walgreens accepts walk-in appointments up to 30 minutes prior to the desired appointment time.
  • Kroger has updated its website to show which locations by state are offering the Pfizer shot to children ages 12 and up.

Statistics:

  • The Pfizer COVID vaccine has proved to be up to 95% effective against the virus in individuals ages 12 to 15.
  • The vaccine has been shown to be even more effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in this age group.
  • According to the FDA, the vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and has been shown to be safe and effective for use in children ages 12 to 15.
  • The CARES Act provides for free vaccines for all individuals, regardless of insurance status.

Sources:

  • "US Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine for 12-15 Year-Olds"
  • "Single Shot COVID vaccine: Some may only need 1 dose from Pfizer, Moderna"
  • "Why people are fainting after Johnson & Johnson vaccine"
  • "Here's when Fauci says your child will return to school full-time"
  • "The Lead with Jake Tapper" CNN article
  • "Walmart and Sam's Club announce availability of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents and teens"
  • "CVS Pharmacy Announces Availability of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Adolescents Ages 12-15"
  • "Walgreens Starts Offering Pfizer COVID Vaccine to Kids 12-15"
  • "Kroger's COVID-19 update: Vaccine locations and information"