News

051321_Press Release_CDC Advisory Panel Recommends Pfizer Vaccine for Adolescents Age 12-15

COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2021

Contact: Black Hawk County Health Department

Phone: 319-291-2413

publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov

CDC Advisory Panel Recommends Pfizer Vaccine for Adolescents Age 12-15

Black Hawk County Public Health reports that Wednesday, May 12th, after a review from an independent federal advisory committee, the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine is recommended for use in adolescents aged 12-15. The FDA and CDC have approved this recommendation.

This announcement is the most recent expansion in vaccination efforts, as until recently the Pfizer vaccine was only available to those 16 and older. Pfizer is the first coronavirus vaccine that has been made available through emergency use authorization; having demonstrated that it was 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 in study participants, those aged 12-15.

This emergency use authorization approval will help to further control the spread of coronavirus in Black Hawk County and has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The CDC stressed that the study findings demonstrate that the vaccine is extremely safe in the age group, mirroring the findings from the adult population and while adolescents typically experience milder symptoms, they are still capable of spreading the disease to others that are at higher risk of infection. For further information, please contact the Black Hawk County Health Department or your child’s pediatrician.

This announcement is coming at an exciting time as summer is on our doorstep and our communities are becoming more active. “We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations, graduation parties, vacations and gatherings with friends and family this summer,” said Dr. Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye, Black Hawk County Public Health Director. “Vaccination means less worry about having to miss out on these activities due to concerns of COVID-19 exposure and is the best way to protect yourself, your family and friends.”

With this in mind, Black Hawk County Public Health is hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic this weekend at the National Cattle Congress and walk-ins are welcome!

COVID-19 Community Vaccine Clinic

The Hippodrome – National Cattle Congress

257 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo Iowa

Saturday May 15th and Sunday May 16th

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Identification cards or insurance information are not required, however all registrants will need to provide contact information and complete a consent form prior to vaccination. If you cannot commit to the second appointment, please visit our website for additional vaccine scheduling options.

For information related to COVID-19, visit https://www.bhcpublichealth.org/ and follow us on Facebook (@BlackHawkCountyHealthDepartment) and Twitter (@BHCHD). Additionally, you can subscribe to our Notify Me tool that includes weekly COVID-19 updates.

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