Kids As Young As 12 Can Get Vaccine At McHenry Co. Clinics

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available to anyone who is at least 12 years old at all McHenry County Department of Health vaccination clinics, health officials said Wednesday.

The health department operates vaccination clinics in Crystal Lake, Harvard and McHenry. COVID-19 vaccinations at all MCDH-run clinics are free and open to everyone regardless of their county or state of residency, and walk-in vaccinations are available at all MCDH clinics.

Pfizer clinics will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 14, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, at 1900 N. Richmond Road in McHenry. Other clinic dates and locations are available at https://covidvaccination.dph.illinois.gov/.

Pfizer is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be administered to children ages 12 to 15, according to a news release from the health department. The 12 through 15 age group represents 6 percent of McHenry County’s population.

“This is yet another milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 virus,” said MCDH Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson. “With the expansion of who may receive the vaccine comes a greater opportunity to stop COVID-19 in its tracks.”

Anyone who is age 12 years old or older is eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, but those under the age of 18 years old must have a parent or guardian accompany them to the clinic to get their shots.

Parents must bring photo identification or guardians must bring documentation of custody that verifies they are the parent or legal guardian. Additionally, those under the age of 18 must bring documentation showing proof of age, such as a birth certificate, State ID, driver’s license or immunization record.

To receive a first dose, you must bring a photo ID with you to the appointment. For those receiving the second dose, you must bring a photo ID and your vaccination card or record. You can register in advance online. Videos explaining how to cancel or modify an appointment and how to register for a first or second dose appointment are available online as well.

Pfizer has reported that in recent studies with participants who were ages 12 to 15, the vaccine demonstrated 100 percent efficacy and strong antibody responses. The CDC and the FDA will continue to closely monitor the safety of this vaccine and will take action if any safety concerns are identified.

Anyone who has questions about if the vaccine is safe for their children should discuss it with their pediatrician or family physician, according to the news release.