According to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed in a phased approach. We are currently in Phase 1A, which includes adults who are 65 and older and their caregivers, healthcare workers, long-term care facilities staff and residents, law enforcement, fire personnel, dispatchers and 911 operators. Phase 1B will include essential workers who perform job tasks across critical infrastructure sectors. Phase 1C will include individuals ages 16 to 64 with medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19.
The Pfizer vaccine is currently only approved for people age 16 and older and the Moderna vaccine is approved for those 18 and older. Because children and teens aren't typically at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, even teens who are old enough to receive Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine will likely be in the final group to receive it. If your child is a Children's patient who is age 16 or older and has a CDC-defined chronic health condition, we will notify you when a vaccine becomes available for them.
Clinical trials involving some adolescents are ongoing at various locations through private clinical research companies. Interested individuals can search clinicaltrials.gov for enrolling and active trials. If a parent or child is interested in participating in a clinical trial, they may send an email to be placed in a database of pediatric volunteers.