Pfizer Vaccine Expected to be Approved for Children Ages 12 to 15

Hilo Medical Center is opening sign-up for 12-year-olds to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in anticipation of the US Drug Administration’s announcement approving the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12 to 15 under Emergency Use Authorization.

HMC is signing up keiki for its mass vaccination clinic on May 15.

This will be the hospital’s last mass event as vaccination efforts will shift to the Arc of Hilo at 1099 Waianuenue Ave., open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pfizer is the only vaccine currently approved for children 16 years and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for recipients 18 years and older. Read National Public Radio’s May 4 story, “Pfizer Says FDA Will Soon Authorize COVID-19 Vaccine For 12-15 Age Group.”

Over 37,000 Pfizer vaccines have been administered by HMC since Dec. 23.