Brenner Children’s, part of Wake Forest Baptist Health, is holding two first-dose COVID-19 vaccination events, using the Pfizer vaccine, for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age.
The first event will be held this Saturday, May 15, at Winston-Salem State University’s Anderson Center, located at 1545 Reynolds Park Rd. in Winston-Salem.
The second event will be held Saturday, May 22, at Providence Place, located at 1701 Westchester Dr., Suite 850 in High Point.
Adolescents should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another adult.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 336-70-COVID (336-702-6843). Second dose appointments will be scheduled at the time of vaccination.
Monday, the FDA expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age, and earlier today, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to affirm the FDA’s recommendation.
The Phase 3 clinical trial to study this vaccine showed 100% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 and robust antibody responses in 12 to 15 year olds. A total of 2,260 participants in this age group were enrolled – 1,131 received the vaccine and 1,129 received a placebo. Nobody in the vaccinated group developed COVID-19, compared to 18 in the unvaccinated group. No safety events were noted and post-vaccination symptoms were similar to those of adults.
“We were very happy to see the data showing this vaccine is safe and effective in this population and we urge families throughout our community to take advantage of these upcoming opportunities,” said Larry Givner, M.D., professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Wake Forest Baptist Health. “Vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves, our community and those we love, and will play an important role in our ability to resume our usual activities this summer.”
Both upcoming events will feature a child- and teen-friendly atmosphere and will include stickers, social media selfie frames, giveaways, decorations and special appearances by the Brenner Children’s pup mascots.
Wake Forest Baptist also plans to begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible individuals at certain pediatric and adult primary care locations across the region.
Media contacts:
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1273
Eryn Johnson, eryjohns@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-8228