TULSA, OK – [May 12, 2021] – The Tulsa Health Department will begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to individuals age 12-15 on Thursday, May 13. The announcement follows the recommendations by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices authorizing the use of the vaccine for this age group.
“We welcome the opportunity to expand the protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine to more community members,” said THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “The Tulsa Health Department and local health care providers have administered more than 417,595 doses in Tulsa County. By expanding eligibility to 12-15 year olds, we will be able to prevent more infections, hospitalizations and deaths within our community.”
On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. The FDA amended the EUA originally issued on Dec. 11, 2020 for administration in individuals 16 years of age and older.
According to the statement, the FDA has determined that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has met the statutory criteria to amend the EUA, it is effective and that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine in individuals 12 years of age and older outweigh the known and potential risks, supporting the vaccine’s use in this population.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available on an appointment basis at the following Tulsa Health Department locations. To make an appointment, visit vaccinate918.com. Masks are required to be worn and clients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival. Those 17 and under must have parent or guardian present for consent to receive the vaccine.
James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129 E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
Central Regional Health Center | 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tulsa OK
Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK
Parents can also walk-in with their adolescent at the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus, 3727 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115. The Community Vaccination Center is available with no appointment with convenient hours from 10am-7pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
“Vaccinations will continue to be available through existing locations, including not only THD clinics, but also local pharmacies and health centers to provide multiple avenues and opportunities for immunization,” added Dart. “The vaccine is safe and effective. It’s more convenient than ever to receive one. It’s normal to have questions, and I encourage parents to turn to trusted resources like your child’s pediatrician.”
More information regarding vaccine clinic locations in Tulsa County can be found at vaccinate918.com. THD continues to offer specimen collection for COVID-19 testing by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled online. Call 918-582-9355 to speak to a public health professional. For more information about COVID-19, please visit tulsa-health.org/COVID19.
