Nashville Parents Can Get Their 12-Year-Olds Vaccinated, Starting Thursday

Pfizer’s COVID vaccine is officially kid-friendly. That means, Nashville parents can begin taking their children ages 12 and up to get the shot as soon as Thursday.

The Metro Public Health Department says doses will be available for 12- to 15-year-olds at the drive-thru vaccination site at the former Kmart on Murfreesboro Road and at Recover Vaccine Clinic on Jefferson Street. The health department says pharmacies, groceries, walk-in clinics and health care providers offering the Pfizer vaccine will also be expanding to the age group.

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The Tennessee Department of Health, meanwhile, says local health departments outside of Nashville will be able to vaccinate young teenagers beginning a day later, on Friday.

“We have been anticipating this decision for several weeks, and I am thrilled we can begin offering the Pfizer vaccine to children in this age group,” Dr. Lisa Piercey, the state’s health commissioner, says in a statement. “As a mother and a pediatrician, I believe this vaccine to be safe and effective for children, and I hope other parents across the state are relieved to learn this option is available.”

Parents no longer have to worry as much about interfering with other vaccinations. Late Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came out with new guidance, dropping its concerns about taking any other shots within two weeks of either dose of the COVID vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration gave emergency-use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 to 15 earlier this week, and an advisory panel to the CDC voted for the change Wednesday afternoon. Previously, Pfizer was already the option available for younger vaccine recipients —  those16 and up. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines continue to be available for adults in the state.

According to CDC data, at least 36% of Tennesseans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

Update: This post has been revised to reflect new guidance on the COVID-19 vaccination, first discussed late Wednesday. The CDC now says it can be taken alongside other vaccinations.