COVID-19 vaccine approved for ages 12 and up

L-R: Ben Webster and Taylor Webster, children of Jody and Alanna Webster, will both be receiving their COVID-19 vaccines since it became available last week for children ages 12 and older.

On May 12, the Tennessee Department of Health made the much-anticipated announcement that it will begin administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12 to 15 in an attempt to provide further protection against the virus that has held the world’s attention for the past 14 months.

Recently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices sent a recommendation to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration that the Pfizer vaccine be made available to administer to children ages 12-15 years. The ACIP has determined the Pfizer brand of the vaccine, which previously had only been approved for those individuals ages 16 and older, to be both safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 in persons ages 12 and up.

“We have been anticipating this decision for several weeks, and I am thrilled we can begin offering the Pfizer vaccine to children in this age group,” Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP said. “As a mother and a pediatrician, I believe this vaccine to be safe and effective for children, and I hope other parents across the state are relieved to learn this option is available. Our local health departments have been working ahead in preparation for this decision, and vaccine supply is available.”

Health departments began vaccinating children ages 12-15 year, on May 14, but the TDH warns that while individuals are able to request appointments online through vaccinate.tn.gov, it is important that when making an appointment for anyone under the age of 18, a patient, or a patient’s legal guardian select a Pfizer vaccine appointment time as both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have only been approved for individuals ages 18 and over.

While locally, the topic of masks and vaccines has been heavily debated, White County parents, regardless of whether they are in favor of vaccinating or not, are in agreement that the decision should be a personal one, with each family choosing what they feel is the best option for the members of their household.

“I am encouraged by the progress that has been made in preventing and treating the COVID-19 virus and its variants. I think it’s good that families now have the option of getting the vaccine for their teens if they want it,” Dana Gorter, parent of a 14-year-old, said, and then said that seeking medical advice before making any healthcare decisions is always favorable. “As with any health matter, families should discuss the options with their health care providers and decide what is best for them.”

Jody Webster, parent of two children who are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine under the new guidance, said he views the expanded ages for vaccine eligibility as a positive step on the road to returning to normalcy.

“Both of my eligible kids were scheduled for their vaccines on the first day they were available,” Webster stated, adding that he didn’t wait to provide what he describes as freedom-generating healthcare for his children. “The vaccine is the best way to get back to normal life, and, since getting vaccinated, I have been able to go back to the things I love without having to worry about the virus. It’s exciting to know that my kids will be able to have that freedom soon, too.”

Sean Sherman, a father of a 15-year-old and a 9-year-old, agrees that making the vaccine available for teenagers is a step in the right direction, but says that he thinks the decision should be respected as a personal one, even for children.

“Personally, I think it’s a good idea.  My wife and I were both vaccinated, with no side effects, so we told our son it would be his choice and that we would support his decision either way,” Sherman said.

On the other side of the issue, Ashley Brandes, parent to three boys – two of which are between the ages of 12 and 18, feels that vaccinating younger individuals is an unnecessary step.

“I am not a virologist or expert in this area, but I am a passionate parent, registered nurse, and currently in a master’s program for nursing,” Brandes said. “I believe they aren’t needed. This is not the population (or younger than 12) that we’ve seen getting and spreading the virus. I’ve seen too many stories of healthy kids with side effects post vaccine. I also believe we need to test for antibodies before vaccination to see if it’s even warranted.”

Brandes went on to voice concerns about younger patients having access to and possibly receiving the vaccine without their parent’s knowledge.

“What really worries me is the statement by the Tennessee Department of Health that above ages 14 can be treated and given vaccines without parental consent,” Brandes said, referencing an investigation that recently found that five states – Alabama, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee – allow some patients ages 14-18 to consent for themselves or leave the decision up to individual healthcare providers as to whether they require parental consent to administer vaccines. “I’m also worried by the schools taking money from the state/nation to be approved vaccination sites, which the [White County] high school will be in the fall.

“Ultimately, I do believe it’s the family’s decision, and I support each person’s decision to get or not get this vaccine,” Brandes said.

 She said she would not fault anyone for whatever decision they make regarding what they feel is the best individualized healthcare plan for their children.

 “I am not in favor of it being required or mandated,” Brandes said. “I also do believe in true informed consent, which I don’t believe people are really getting with this vaccine.”

To determine which vaccines are available locally, visit VaccineFinder.org for a list of locations as well as which vaccine brands they provide. The VaccineFinder.org site includes a listing of both local health departments and other approved vaccine providers throughout the United States.