Thursday, May 13, 2021
The Texas Department of State Health Services announced that adolescent Texans between the ages of 12-15 are now eligible to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Texas’ move follows federal guidance, allowing the newest age group to receive a vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the vaccine for adolescents on Monday and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended it for 12-15 year olds on Tuesday.
“While children are less likely than adults to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19, they can be infected with the virus and spread infection in their homes and communities,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infections disease services, and chair of the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. “DSHS believes that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic and have a direct and positive effect on schools be