Oklahomans 12+ Are Now Eligible For Pfizer COVID Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for younger teens aged 12 to 15 years old Wednesday. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the vaccine for their use earlier this week.

The teens will have to get parental consent in order to receive a vaccine.

Pfizer said the vaccine is 100 percent effective for this age group. Clinical trials showed robust antibody responses.

The state said there are about 200,000 12 to 15-year-olds in Oklahoma. It is now tasked with finding ways to distribute the vaccine to younger Oklahomans.

The state health department is considering teaming up with school districts for special vaccine pods while also keeping parents' concerns in mind.

“You’re a personal health care provider,” Oklahoma State Department of Health assistant deputy commissioner of personal health services Buffy Heater said. “We understand that health care is a personal service, so we recommend anyone with further questions to reach out to those they trust with the care of their children.”

Oklahomans aged 12 and up can now make appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine online by using the state portal at vaccinate.oklahoma.gov.