DETROIT (WWJ) -- Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine will be available to kids as young as 12 years old after the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved emergency use authorization of the vaccine for adolescents age 12-15.
Shots will be available to Detroiters beginning Thursday, Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Wednesday.
Any child age 12 or older may be brought by a parent or guardian to any city-run vaccination clinic to receive their shot.
Prior to Wednesday's announcement, the vaccine was available to anyone 16 or older. Recent trials showed that Pfizer was 100% effective in preventing serious illness in adolescents ages 12-15. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for anyone 18 and older.
"Now that the Pfizer vaccine has received CDC approval, we have made arrangements for it to be available at each of our walk-in and drive-up locations," Duggan said in a press release. "While we are making it available, it will be up to parents to make the best decision for their family whether to have their children vaccinated."
Beginning Thursday, parents will be able to either call 313-230-0505 to schedule an appointment for their children ages 12-15 or go straight to one of the clinics run by the health department. The scheduling call center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Parents and guardians will need to sign a consent form and provide identification. Anyone ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to receive a vaccination. Children under age 17 will not need proof of identification, according to city officials.
While the city has been offering reimbursement through its Good Neighbor program for those who bring fellow Detroiters to vaccine clinics, Duggan says the program will not be available for those who bring children under 18.
Detroiters can get vaccinated, or bring their children to get vaccinated, at the following locations across the city Monday-Friday (hours vary):
-- TCF Center
-- Northwest Activities Center
-- Samaritan Center
-- Farwell Recreation Center
-- Roberto Clemente Recreation Center
-- Clark Park
-- Straight Gate Church
The following locations are also open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-- Greater Grace Temple
-- Kemeny Recreation Center
-- Grace Community Church
-- New Providence Baptist Church
-- Greater Emmanuel COGIC
