Alabama Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Teens 12-15

MONTGOMERY, AL — Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that Alabamians age 12-15 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices giving recommendations Wednesday and the CDC giving its final approval later in the day.

"This is great and welcome news that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will now be available for Alabamians 12 and up, offering another option for families in our state as we get back into full gear,” Ivey said in a release. “We have seen good success so far with these safe and effective vaccines, and I encourage parents and children to consult with your pediatrician if you have any questions. The vaccine is our ticket back to normal, and I continue to feel optimistic and hopeful in the positive direction we are moving in as a state.”

The Pfizer vaccine is available to individuals age 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are both available to individuals 18 years of age and older.

CVS Pharmacies in Alabama have the Pfizer vaccine available for teens, and UAB vaccine clinics at the Hoover Met, Parker High School, UAB Highlands and Cathedral of the Cross Church in Center Point also plan to offer the Pfizer vaccine to teens 12 and older.

This expansion makes more than 4 million people eligible for the vaccine in the state of Alabama. Currently, the state receives approximately 135,000 first doses each week.

“We encourage the vaccination of adolescents ages 12 and older to get the protection offered by the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “This vaccine will be available at private providers and other sites which have Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available.”

As of May 12, 2,722,909 doses have been administered in the state.