Following the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s approval and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in teenagers aged 12 to 15, the Health Department announced that all vaccine providers in the city are approved to begin administering the Pfizer vaccine to this age group. The Pfizer vaccine is the only authorized COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 years and above at this time. 

If you are 12 years old or older, we recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The Pfizer vaccine is available at many vaccine sites in Philadelphia, including many City-run clinics.

Children ages 12-15 can consent to receive their own COVID-19 vaccination, subject to the vaccine provider’s determination that they can provide informed consent. This aligns with a longstanding City policy that gives children ages 11 and above the ability to consent for approved vaccines, without approval or consent of a parent or guardian. On May 14, the Board of Health ruled that this also applies to a vaccine with an FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

Accepted documentation to confirm a child’s age includes one of the following:

  • Access school or health care portals via phone
  • Copy of school or sports health forms
  • Insurance Cards
  • Passports
  • Birth certificates or photos of their birth certificate
  • Any other documents with the child’s name and date of birth.

Please note: Not all sites will vaccinate people under the age of 16. Make sure to call ahead to confirm a vaccination site has Pfizer vaccine and will vaccinate your child.

About the Pfizer vaccine trials for children age 12-15:

  • The vaccine approval was based upon clinical trials (2,260 participants age 12 to 15) that showed the vaccine was safe and effective.
  • The trials for 12 to 15 year olds began in July 2020.
  • The Pfizer trials included participants who were Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and White.
  • The clinical trials showed a stronger response in children 12-15 than the 95 percent effectiveness reported in clinical trials in adults.
Get vaccinated today!