Exciting news! Younger teens – those between 12 and 15 – can now get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. 

 

The recommendation comes following a thorough review of safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The North Carolina State Health Director has amended the Standing Order authorizing health care providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines through an Emergency Use Authorization to include the use of the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents ages 12 through 15. In addition, the FDA included new precautions around syncope and ACIP has changed its guidance and allows for COVID-19 vaccines to be co-administered with other vaccines. The Standing Order has been amended to include these new recommendations.  

 

Young people are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, just like everyone else. In North Carolina, close to 123,000 children 0 to 17 years old have tested positive for COVID-19, and the percent of COVID-19 cases that are in children 17 and under has been increasing. 

 

Having a vaccine for our younger teens brings us that much closer to being able to end the pandemic. As always, we rely on you as a trusted messenger to help people make informed decisions and take action. NC DHHS has created a suite of communications materials for teens and their families to help you spread the word, including: 

 

·         New Flyer for Teens and Parents 

·         Updated Frequently Asked Questions (English / Spanish) 

·         Shareable Social Media Graphics 

·         And more! 

 

We also have a range of materials that can help you promote vaccines to everyone from teens to seniors. Our communications toolkit includes flyers and patient handouts, posters, social media graphics, website and newsletter graphics, virtual backgrounds, and a robust video library. 

 

We are working with vaccine providers, including pediatricians and family medicine doctors, to make the Pfizer vaccine accessible across the state. We are also connecting larger vaccine providers who have the capacity to store the Pfizer vaccine to smaller practices needing a smaller quantity. To find providers with the Pfizer vaccine, go to myspot.nc.gov and filter for Pfizer. 

 

Our press release provides more detail.