NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced the recent approval of Pfizer vaccine for those 12–15-year-old by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
She said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will expand the use of that vaccine in New Jersey, “and we are expeditiously moving forward.”
Persichilli added, “our vaccine provider network has significant experience administering Pfizer and already has been serving those aged 16 and older. With today’s recommendations, following the Food and Drug Administration’s expansion of the Emergency Use Authorization earlier this week, we are notifying providers that they can move forward immediately to administer the Pfizer vaccine to this age group.”
CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky said, “for vaccination to do its job, we must do our critical part. That means vaccinating as many people as possible who are eligible. This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation’s efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19.”
“Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected,” Walensky said.
Walensky said his agency is continuing to work with mega-sites, hospitals, federal retail pharmacy partners, and select health departments to help provide the vaccine throughout the state., and to Federally Qualified Health Centers, which serve underserved communities.
Vaccinations for minors require a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. The State DOH is continuing to encourage parents and guardians to speak with their pediatricians or healthcare providers if they have questions and to get their children vaccinated.
A new CDC webpage for parents on adolescent and teen vaccination can be seen at: Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines. FDA Fact Sheets on the Pfizer vaccine and other information can be found at: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Information.
