The FDA has awarded Pfizer emergency authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 15.
Gov. Tim Walz announced that the state is ready to begin vaccinating this age group against COVID-19 as soon as this week.
Walz says that with this development, nearly 300,000 more Minnesotans are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Parents should be able to make appointments for their 12- to 15-year-olds later this week.
About 50 percent of the state’s eligible population so far has completed their vaccination series.
“The Pfizer vaccine has gone through rigorous clinical trials on children in this age group and has proven to be a highly safe and effective preventative measure against the deadly coronavirus,” said Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom.
“Minnesota parents can feel confident in the science, medical experts, and federal guidelines expanding authorization to 12-to-15-year-olds, and I hope they get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. Every person who gets vaccinated helps us slow the spread of this disease and protect those who cannot get vaccinated.”
Right now, anyone over the age of 16 can receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Appointments can be made at the Sanford Health website or by calling (877)701-0779.
Appointments may also be made with Beltrami County Public Health by calling (218)333-8140.
