The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement on May 10 providing emergency authorization for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination for those ages 12-15. The authorization  was shortly followed by the release of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines and subsequent adoption of the guidelines by the CDC director, Rochelle Walensky. The vaccine was previously approved for those over the age of 16, making Pfizer the first and currently sole vaccine approved for this age range. 

The vaccine demonstrated 100 percent efficacy among this age group, which outperforms the 91.3 percent efficacy demonstrated overall. 

According to an article by the Washington Post, while the side effects seem to be relatively similar between age groups, the 12-15 age group has a higher chance of experiencing said side effects. Among the most common side effects were headache, muscle aches, chills and fatigue. 

Governor Kate Brown gave approval for 12-15 years to begin being vaccinated in Oregon shortly after the CDC director approved the guidelines, meaning all persons over the age of 12 are eligible for some form of vaccination within Oregon. Those 15 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine without parental consent, although those 12-14 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

“This is great news for Oregon children, parents, and families,” Governor Kate Brown said in a statement. 

If you are looking for a vaccine appointment for you or a loved one, www.vaccinespotter.org/OR/ regularly updates available appointments within your area.