Our Thoughts on Vaccinating Kids

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When the vaccines have been authorized, we recommend you have your child vaccinated against COVID-19. Although kids don’t generally get as sick as adults, there’s no need to risk it. This also helps avoid spreading it to loved ones who can’t be vaccinated.

It’s now time to schedule your 16 to 18 year-olds for the COVID-19 vaccine. As you set the vaccine appointment for your young person, note that the Pfizer vaccine is the only option for youth 16-17 at this time. Those who are 18 or over can receive either vaccine.

The reason for the age limitation is that Pfizer was the only vaccine to include enough data in early trials for the FDA to make a judgement for emergency authorization — at this time. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also only available for those 18 and over.

Unfortunately for 16-17 year-olds, Oregon Medical Group is typically receiving Moderna vaccines and limited Pfizer supplies. We do have some appointments available for teens 16 and up.

The next age group we expect will receive emergency use authorization is age 12-16. That could occur as soon as early/mid May. This authorization is expected to be for Moderna ages 12-16, and to allow for ages 12 and up for Pfizer (which is already authorized for 16 and up).