CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents Age 12 and Older
May 13, 2021
Following FDA approval earlier this week, on May 12, 2021 the CDC’s Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of the Pifzer-Biontech COVID-19 vaccine for children 12-15 years of age. ACIP and FDA made their recommendations after review of clinical trial data which indicated that children in this age group mounted a robust immune response and found 100% efficacy for the vaccine in preventing disease. The Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for this age group using the same dose and schedule, two doses given 21 days apart, as already recommended for persons 16 years of age and older. 
Background:
While the most serious burden of disease has been seen in older adults, COVID-19 has caused considerable illness in the pediatric population. Over 8000 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in children 12-15 years of age in Orange County. Medical providers who care for children should become familiar with COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for this population.
Additional Resouces:
A CDC COCA call for providers is scheduled for Friday, May 14 from 11-12 PT: What Clinicians Need to Know About Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents. Those interested can register here.
 
The CDC Director’s statement regarding the use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents 12 years and older can be found here.
Contact Information:
For questions or concerns, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.
If you do not currently receive our Provider Advisories you can add yourself to our email list via the button below.