Wake County Public Health to Offer Vaccination to Adolescents Thursday

Wake County Public Health will begin providing Pfizer vaccine to those 12 years and older Thursday, following approval of the Emergency Use Authorization from the Food & Drug Administration, as well as specific recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made earlier today. 

The Pfizer vaccine, already available to people ages 16 and 17, will now be available to adolescents as young as 12. The Pfizer vaccine was found to be 100% effective in clinic studies in producing the antibodies that prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

“We’ve heard from many parents in Wake County who are excited to get younger members of their families vaccinated,” said Matt Calabria, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This is their shot at keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy, while at the same time helping our community get back to enjoying the people and places they love.”

Based on U.S. Census data, there are an estimated 62,330 people in Wake County between the ages of 12 and 15. It’s estimated that about 30% of parents will want to vaccinate their children in this age group in the first few weeks, so Wake County Public Health is preparing for a surge of possibly 20,500 individuals.

“We’re looking forward to offering vaccination to yet another eligible group,” said Dr. Nicole Mushonga, Assistant Physician Director and Epidemiology Program Director. “Although children don’t suffer from the same rates of hospitalization and death as adults, vaccinating children helps us better protect those who are more vulnerable and at risk in their homes and in our community.”

Currently, the two clinics administering Pfizer are:

The county also has overflow plans at other vaccine sites if needed.

Parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment to expedite the process by going to WakeGov.com/vaccine as early as tonight. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling our 24-hour vaccine hotline at 888-675-4567. Walk-ins are welcome, as well.

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