AUSTIN, Texas — On May 10, the Food and Drug Administration announced it would be expanding emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 12 and 15.
So, you may now be wondering when and where you can sign your kids up to get their first dose.
Kids 12 and up will be getting the same Pfizer vaccine as adults. So, anywhere an adult can get a Pfizer vaccine should also be able to offer vaccines to kids in the 12-15 age group.
In the Austin area, providers such as H-E-B, Walmart, CVS and Walgreens have all offered Pfizer doses. CVS and Walgreens, for instance, have already announced they would offer the vaccine to kids once the emergency use authorization was expanded.
Unfortunately, providers such as Austin Public Health that only offer the Moderna vaccine will still be unable to provide doses to children.
The Central Texas Counties Vaccine Collaborative's drive-thru clinic at the Travis County Exposition Center will offer vaccines to kids 12 and up with no appointments required. Parental consent will be required for kids ages 12-17, and the parent or guardian must be present at the time of vaccination. The clinic is open Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Austin ISD announced that it too will assist in getting students ages 12-15 vaccinated.
“With this authorization, our middle and high school students will be able to walk into their classrooms next year knowing they have the best protection from COVID-19 possible,'' said Alexandra Copeland, director of health services for Austin ISD. “Vaccines have been the game-changer in our fight against COVID-19, and now more students will have access to this life-saving shot.”
While the district is encouraging families to contact their physicians or preferred pharmacies themselves, AISD will be hosting pop-up clinics with its partners to make the vaccine available to students. Families will be contacted through email about upcoming opportunities. Clinic dates will also be posted on the district calendar.
In Hays County, the no-appointment vaccine clinic at Dunbar Recreation Center will be offering the vaccine to youth 12-15 with parental consent on the evening of May 13. The Curative clinic offered at the Hays CISD administrative complex on May 13 and 14 in Kyle will also vaccinate youth, however, parents and guardians must complete a consent form and will be required to accompany their minors. Appointments are preferred.
On May 14, a spokesperson for Walmart and Sam's Club confirmed that their pharmacies will be administering vaccines to all eligible patients where Pfizer is offered. Visit their online schedulers for more information.
On May 19, Austin Diagnostic Clinic at St. David's North Austin Medical Center announced it would offer vaccines to those 12 and up. To make an appointment, call 512-901-4486 and leave a message. The clinic will call back and schedule an appointment for the first dose. Walk-ins are accepted from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Check with your local providers, doctors or clinics offering Pfizer vaccines in the coming days if you're looking to get your young ones vaccinated.
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