Seattle's Child

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12 to 15

King County runs a mass vaccination site for all ages at The Outlet Collection (formerly known as the SuperMall) in Auburn.

Kids 12 to 15 are now eligible for Pfizer shots

With vaccination eligibility expanded to anyone 12 and up, here's how to get shots for your kids.

The FDA approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use on kids as young as 12 on Monday, May 10, meaning that kids ages 12 to 15 can now get their shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, May 11, formally recommended the vaccine for those ages and authorized providers to begin administering the vaccine immediately. 

The two-dose vaccination series was tested — and found to provide strong protection against the virus — on more than 2,000 volunteers in the 12-to-15 age group, according to The Associated Press report. The children received the same dosage as adults and had similar side effects, including a sore arm, body aches or chills and fever. 

The next step in the approval process is for a federal vaccine advisory committee to give a recommendation to start the shots for that age group. 

Families who want to secure appointments for 12- to 15-year-olds can book through the state’s vaccine availability website, Vaccinate WA. In addition, many vaccine sites having been accepting walkups.

When using the site, remember to search with the Pfizer filter on. Children ages 12 to 15 can only receive the Pfizer vaccination, not the two-shot Moderna or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.

Many Seattle public schools are planning clinics starting early next week. You can find more information here.

This updated story was first published on May 11.

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