Oklahoma Doctors Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Availability For Teenagers

Doctors told News 9 political analyst Scott Mitchell that opening the Pfizer vaccine to young teens could provide some consistency and a more normal school year next year.

They're also recommending districts across the state make the shots available in school.

However, the doctors said the younger crowd in Oklahoma has a long way to go. Eight percent of teenagers between 16 and 18 years old are considered fully vaccinated statewide.

The doctors discussed how the messaging around the vaccine now needs to change, especially when it comes to families with younger children.

"We are going to have to show them the reason it's important for the children, even if the severity of the disease in children is not as great,” pediatrician Dr. Dwight Sublett said. “The implications on how it could affect the family or contacts is a big deal.”

Pfizer is still waiting for the Centers for Disease Control to give its emergency use authorization for 12 and 15 years old, which is expected to happen Wednesday.

The state and county health departments said teenagers cannot make appointments until that happens and they receive more directions.