​Michiganders 12 To 15 Can Receive COVID-19 Vaccine: What To Know

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that COVID-19 vaccine providers begin administering doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents 12 to 15 years old beginning Thursday after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to expand use of the vaccine to people in that age group.

State officials said the expanded use of the vaccine is "great news," and will help the state work to "eliminate COVID-19 once and for all."

“We are incredibly proud that the Pfizer vaccine, which is now approved to protect our children, is manufactured right here in Michigan," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said late Wednesday. "As a parent, I encourage all parents with children in this group to have a conversation with your family doctor about the vaccine as soon as possible."

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The expanded use is new for Michigan, where previously people had to be older than 16 to receive a dose of one of three COVID-19 vaccines, is new and question remain about the process for getting vaccinated.

Below is a breakdown of what to know as Michiganders decide whether to have their teens vaccinated.

Why Can Teens Be Vaccinated Now?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Wednesday recommended Pfizer's vaccine for children 12 and older, after the Food and Drug Administration expanded authorization of the shots to the age group earlier in the week.

The FDA determined that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine in individuals 12 years of age and older outweigh known and potential risks, supporting the vaccine’s use in this population, officials said.

Why Officials Believe Teens Should Be Vaccinated

In short, no one is immune from the potentially devastating effects of the coronavirus, according to state officials.

While most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some can get severely ill and require hospitalization, officials said on Wednesday. There have also been rare cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects. From March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021, about 1.5 million COVID-19 cases in individuals 11 to 17 years of age have been reported to the CDC. In Michigan, more than 102,000 cases and 11 deaths have been reported in ages 10 to 19. Children and adolescents generally have milder COVID-19 disease as compared to adults.

It also helps prevent the further spread of the virus and potential variants, according to health officials. Dr. Srikar Reddy joined Whitmer at a news conference on Wednesday and said that while children between 12 and 15 years old aren't among a high-risk population, vaccinating them is key to controlling the spread of the virus and preventing the emergence of new variants.

"We're entering yet another new phase of the pandemic and there is light at the end of the tunnel," Reddy said.

What Will Teens Need At Their Appointment?

Anyone under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to provide written consent for COVID-19 vaccination. It is recommended that adolescents have eaten and are well hydrated prior to their vaccination, officials said in a news release.

Where Can Your Teen Be Vaccinated?

In Michigan, CVS Pharmacy quickly came out and said they would be offered vaccines. Pharmacy officials said 70 CVS locations across the state have begun scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments for people younger than 18.

Appointments can be made online beginning Wednesday, however. Appointments also can be made through the CVS app and walk-ins also are accepted, according to a spokesperson with the pharmacy.

Rite Aid on Thursday announced it, too, would begin scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations for people 12-15 in Michigan. Parents and guardians can schedule appointments for their teens online.