RI COVID-19 Kids’ Shots 12-15 Approved

PROVIDENCE — Parents and guardians can now register for COVID-19 kids’s shots for ages 12 to 15 in Rhode Island, Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced Tuesday.

The move follows the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting an Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group on Monday.

Since until now, children could not be vaccinated, and because more contagious variants of COVID-19 are now circulating in Rhode Island, an increased proportion of Rhode Island’s COVID-19 cases are now among children.

In clinical trials, the Pfizer vaccine was extremely effective at preventing COVID-19 in children 12 to 15 years of age. The vaccine was 100 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 infection with symptoms and led to a strong antibody response.

“COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m urging all parents to get their 12- to 15-year-olds vaccinated. This vaccine will help keep kids, families, and our community safe.”

“The Pfizer vaccine was rigorously studied before it was made available to children 12 to 15 years of age, and we are doing on-going monitoring after administering more than 100 million doses to adults in the U.S. over the last five months,” said Director of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott. “Getting the child in your life vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the most important things you can do to make sure their summer is healthy and safe.”

Parents and guardians can give consent and make appointments for Pfizer vaccine for children on vaccinateRI.org.  It is recommended that children be accompanied by an adult for appointments at the State’s mass vaccination sites. Walk-up vaccination opportunities are also available at the sites at Sockanosset Cross Road (100 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (1 La Salle Square, Providence), and in Middletown (1400 West Main Road, Middletown).

RIDOH will also be working with cities, towns, and school departments to offer clinics in schools. Schools have already been offering vaccine to students 16 and older. Large pharmacy chains are expected to start offering vaccine to children in this age group later this week.

Additional information about COVID-19 vaccine in Rhode Island is available online.