Vaccines for Children? The CDC Says Yes

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Gretchen Scotland

More and more teens and adults in the past month have been getting vaccinated…but what about children?

“Hey, when are you getting your vaccine?”

“Oh, I already got my first one! I have my second one next week. What about you?”

Conversations like these have been increasingly occurring now that teenagers 16 and older can get their Pfizer vaccine if they schedule an appointment (see here for Governor Baker’s updates on COVID).

I’ve constantly found that in talking to my friends, the majority of people are taking the opportunity to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Massachusetts is currently ranked the fourth-highest state regarding the percentage of vaccinated populations with about 43% fully vaccinated. The highest in the country is Connecticut with 45%.

But what about those younger than 16? Where does the vaccine stand with them?

On Wednesday, May 12th, the CDC authorized the distribution of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15-year-olds, which means that as of Thursday, May 13th, younger kids can make appointments for vaccinations too!

Below, you can find a brief news clip from CNBC that describes the moment the news was released, as well as the details that come along with this new information.


To gain more information about the clinical trials, the potential side-effects, and the pros and cons of getting vaccinated, click here to view CNBC’s full report.

What will the government release next?

With the vaccines, and the pandemic itself, developing so rapidly over the past year, people may start to wonder when vaccines will be approved for children ages 2 and up. The distribution of a vaccine to kids as young as these may be a bit away, as there is a huge physical difference between a 12-year-old and a 2-year-old, where there is a smaller developmental difference between one who is 12 and one who is 16.

Either way, medical professionals and members of government agencies, such as the CDC, are working their hardest to keep the U.S. population safe. The light is at the end of the tunnel!

On a side note, if you are a parent and you have questions regarding the vaccine, click here to see an updated guide from the Johns Hopkins medical center.

Stay tuned for updates about the COVID-19 pandemic and stay safe!