The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
We are pleased to see the CDC advisory committee recommend today the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 12 to 15. Adolescents have been infected and hospitalized with COVID-19 in increasing numbers during the spring surge as the presence of variants has grown in Michigan. This vaccine proved to be 100% effective in trials of this age group, and even more importantly, extremely safe – meaning young people who get vaccinated can return to doing so many things they’ve missed over the last year. We want these kids back in school, back in sports, back to seeing friends – but doing so safely. The best way to get your child back to their normal activities is to get them vaccinated as quickly as possible. Providers across Michigan are preparing to open their vaccine clinics to kids aged 12 to 15 as soon as tomorrow. We encourage families to contact their local health department, hospital or primary care physician to access this safe and effective vaccine.