High Level Messaging for Pfizer EUA Authorization for 12-15 Year Olds
FDA Authorizes Pfizer Vaccine for 12-15 Year Old’s
● The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now authorized use of the Pfizer
COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents 12 to 15 years old. Previously the vaccine had been
authorized for people age 16 and older.
● Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota is ready to begin vaccinating this age
group this week.
○ Final federal guidance is expected to be issued from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) later this week following a meeting of the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices scheduled for Wednesday.
○ The state will announce when final vaccination recommendations are
available for providers, and we expect parents can make appointments for
vaccinations later this week.
● Minnesotans 12-15 years old should be able to get vaccinated anywhere Pfizer
vaccines are available — including their health care provider, pharmacies, state sites,
local health department, and pop-up and community events including some held at
schools.
● At this time, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been
authorized for use by people age 12 and older.
● Parent or guardian consent is required for COVID-19 vaccination for people younger
than 18.
● We encourage a parent or guardian to go to the vaccine appointment with their 12
to 17- year-old to learn about the COVID-19 vaccine and provide consent for the
child to receive the vaccine.
How to Get Your Child Vaccinated
● Getting vaccinated is how we get back to the people we love and the activities we
miss.
● We highly recommend getting your child vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure a
safe and fun summer.
● Getting vaccinated will give your child, your family, and your community extra
protection against this deadly disease so your child can safely enjoy summer camps,
trips, vacations, and more.
● Every person who gets vaccinated also helps us slow the spread of this disease and
protect those who cannot get vaccinated.
● There are a number of ways you can get your child a Pfizer vaccine:
○ Vaccine Connector: You can directly sign up for an appointment at one of the
state Community Vaccination Program locations at
VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
■ Walk-ins for Minnesotans 12+ will be accepted at state community
vaccination sites administering Pfizer vaccines in Bloomington (Mall
of America), Saint Paul (Roy Wilkins Auditorium), Lino Lakes and
Oakdale. Walk-ins for Minnesotans 18+ will be accepted at Mankato,
Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud.
○ Vaccine Locator Map: You can use the Vaccine Locator Map to search for
providers who are offering COVID-19 vaccine to Minnesotans ages 12 and
older at https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
○ Vaccine Finder: You can also find COVID-19 vaccine appointments at
Vaccines.gov, which allows you to filter by vaccine manufacturer and search
for only Pfizer vaccine appointments.
○ Health Care Provider: You can also contact your child’s primary health care
provider, local public health department, or a local pharmacy.
○ Community Events: Watch for local events at schools, churches, and other
organizations in your area throughout the summer.
● The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is a two-shot series. It’s very important to get both
doses in order to have the best protection. Your child will receive their second shot
21 days after their first shot and be considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their
second shot.
● Get your kid vaccinated now to have full protection for summer!