Vaccines For Kids In Massachusetts: What You Need To Know
BOSTON (CBS) - Anyone age 12 or older can now get a COVID vaccine in Massachusetts.
The CDC officially recommended Pfizer's vaccine for children ages 12-to-15 late Wednesday, making about 400,000 kids in the state eligible for it.
Right now, people ages 12-to-17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine because the other two approved by the FDA for emergency use, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are only cleared for those age 18 and older.
So what should parents do?
- You can call your child's pediatrician to see if they have the Pfizer vaccine at their practice and make arrangements to get it there.
- You can go to one of the state's mass vaccination sites, which are now accepting walk-ins.
- You can search vaxfinder.mass.gov to find a clinic near you. When the "results" list comes up, remember to click on the "details" link to see which vaccines are offered at that location.
- You can preregister at VaccineSignUp.mass.gov to be notified of an appointment at a regional or mass vaccination site.
The MetroWest regional vaccination site at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westboro also has Pfizer appointments available on these days:
Thursday, May 13th from 2:30-5:30pm
Monday, May 17th from 3:30-5:30pm
Wednesday, May 19th from 2:30-5:30pm
Thursday, May 20th from 2:30-5:30pm
Friday, May 21st from 2:30-5:30pm
Appointments are required. To register click here.
Anyone under 18 in Massachusetts must get a parent or guardian's consent to get the coronavirus vaccine. You can download the consent form here.
WBZ-TV's Dr. Mallika Marshall said parents should be aware of the timing of getting their kids vaccinated for the summer.
"That's because, from the time your child gets the first dose, it will take 5 weeks to build full immunity. They will get their first shot, their second three weeks later, and two weeks after that they'll be considered fully vaccinated. I think many parents would like their children to have even more freedom at summer camps and for summer travel so I suggest you try to get your kids vaccinated sooner rather than later," she said.
"And parents, please call your pediatrician with any questions or concerns. We know parents are more likely to listen to the advice of their personal physicians than that of personalities or politicians."
Moderna's CEO said Wednesday he expects their COVID vaccine will be approved for emergency use for kids ages 12-to-17 in a few weeks.
COVID vaccines are not available yet for children under 12 in the United States. Both Pfizer and Moderna are currently studying their vaccines in young kids.
