Children ages 12 to 15 can now get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at all Contra Costa County-operated clinics, the County announced today, after the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommended the vaccine for use in the younger age group.
Previously, the vaccine was approved for people ages 16 and older.
“The County has already begun working with the Contra Costa County Office of Education, local school districts and Kaiser Permanente to host vaccination clinics at various middle schools and high schools in the coming weeks,” County officials said.
Nearly 700,000 county residents ages 16 and over have received at least one dose of vaccine thus far. About 65,000 residents in Contra Costa fall between ages 12-15.
Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for use by those who are ages 12-17.
No appointments are needed at County-run clinics, although scheduling can still be done by going to covidvaccine.cchealth.org or by calling 833-829-2626. The state also offers appointments at myturn.ca.gov.
The County recommends that minors be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and if they cannot be present, to provide written consent or even verbal consent over the phone. A consent form is available at cchealth.org.
