Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Youth Aged 12-15

Ventura, CA – Young people ages 12 through 15 are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the County of Ventura and throughout the state of California. All county run sites that are offering Pfizer are now open to vaccinate children 12-17; minors should be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, and present a photo ID and verification of age.

This expanded eligibility comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine safety review panel and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommended on Wednesday that the vaccine is safe and effective in protecting this age group against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. On May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the Pfizer vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization to allow administration for 12- to 15-year-olds, following clinical trials that proved it safe for this age group with only non-serious side effects like fatigue and headache.

“I appreciate the scientists, clinicians, and the young people who participated in clinical trials that helped the FDA and the CDC determine that these vaccines are safe and effective for this age group. The COVID-19 vaccine is the most powerful tool available to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and prevent hospitalizations and deaths from the virus. Increasing the number of people vaccinated will help us all move forward,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

More than 63.5% of eligible County residents have received the 1^st dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine and 48.8% have completed their COVID-19 vaccination.

The Pfizer vaccine is administered in two doses taken three weeks (21 days) apart. It has already been safely administered to millions of California adults, including more than 30 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds.  Moderna is expected to submit trial data for the same authorization in the coming months. Johnson & Johnson is currently conducting clinical trials for the 12-17 age group.

To give consent for vaccination, a parent or legal guardian must accompany minors 15 and younger to a vaccination site, provide verification of identity and relationship, and give verbal consent for the minor to be vaccinated. Minors 16 and older are permitted to have written consent from a parent or legal guardian or they can conduct a video cell phone call with Public Health Staff whereby the parent/legal guardian show proof of identity and guardianship and then give verbal consent. The consent form can be found at: Ventura County Department of Public Health Consent Form.

All County of Ventura vaccine sites now offer walk up options without an appointment needed. The current schedule including pop up vaccine events can be found below and at www.venturacountyrecovers.org. Appointments can also be made at MyTurn.CA.Gov or by calling 1-833-422-4255. Community members can also contact local pharmacies and their medical providers for more information. There are many providers offering COVID-19 vaccines.

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