Governor Laura Kelly Announces Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available to Ages 12+ in Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly has announced that, due to increasing evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for young people, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will now be available to those ages 12 and up in Kansas.

“Health experts' thorough, deliberate review process demonstrates that safety continues to be the number one priority in vaccine approval – and my administration is confident that opening the vaccine to young Kansans is the right move,” Governor Kelly said. “I encourage all eligible Kansans to roll up their sleeves and do their part to ensure we can continue getting back to work, back to school and back to normal.”

The announcement follows the Monday expansion of the emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration and the vote of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and approval by the CDC Director.

“This is an incredible step forward in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “We are now able to protect our younger populations against this deadly disease.”

Kansas providers should now begin opening their vaccine supply to ages 12+. Those under 18 do need written parental consent for vaccination. 

To find a vaccine provider near you, visit www.Vaccines.gov or text your zip code to 438829 (GETVAX) or in Spanish, text your zip code to 822862 (VACUNA).

The original EUA was issued on December 11, 2020 by the FDA for administration in individuals ages 16 and older.

(Information courtesy Office of the Governor.)