By Isabella
On Monday, May 10, the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 12-15. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine approved for the use of people ages 12 and up.
The vaccine was tested in approximately 22,000 people ranging from 12-15 years of age with good results. During the clinical trials, which are tests done on real people, they found that vaccinated adolescents had high levels of antibodies in their blood, a signal that they had developed a strong immunity.
There were no cases of COVID-19 found in the 22,000 teens and 12-year olds given the vaccine. Out of the 11,000 teens and 12-year olds given the placebo, a fake harmless substance given in place of the actual vaccine, there were 16 cases of COVID-19 found. However, out of all the teens and 12-year olds given the actual vaccine no COVID-19 cases were found. “The vaccine was found 100% effective in preventing COVID-19.” The FDA said.
An 8th grader who asked to be identified as The Penguin, said they feel “AMAZING” that students 12 and older can be vaccinated. Jane, another 8th grader, in response to the same question said, “Excited that we are making headway through the pandemic.” A student who wished to remain anonymous said they feel “relieved definitely” about being eligible for the vaccine. Another student who wished to remain anonymous said, “It's amazing and I think it's a great opportunity for us.”
On Thursday, May 20, students at STEM will be given the option to be vaccinated at school if they are eligible. The vaccination will be administered by the Seattle Firefighters. If you are choosing this option, you need to have a form filled out by a parent which will be in an email from the school or can be found here* in 7 different languages. You will still need a health screening the day of the clinic. Like all COVID-19 vaccines, this is free and does not require health insurance. Students who are remote on the days of the clinics can still come to school to be vaccinated. People in person will have a set time during class to get vaccinated.
Students at STEM will be able to get vaccinated from 10:30 to 12:30 for the first dose. The second dose will be given on Thursday, June 15 from 10:30-12:30. Students should plan to be able to receive both doses at school if they are choosing this option. These are the only times you can be vaccinated at school.
When students were asked about how they felt about the vaccine clinics at school, The Penguin said, “AMAZING” again. A student who wished to remain anonymous said, “I think it's awesome that the district is giving students an option to be vaccinated at school.” Another student who wished to remain anonymous said, “I’m really excited and happy that they’re giving out vaccines for a bunch of kids.” A third student who wanted to remain anonymous said, “Sounds fine for the kids who are already there.” And finally, a fifth student, Jane, said, “I think it’s awesome that it is available in so many places for most people, because the more people vaccinated the better.”
Q&A with a partially vaccinated student:
Q: What was your experience like?
A: Getting my first dose of the vaccine was pretty simple. I booked an appointment, even though some places have walk-in clinics. When I got there, I waited in line for about 25 minutes. Then I checked in. I brought photo and age identification. Next, I sat down and a very nice firefighter started cleaning my arm and talking to me about symptoms. Then, all of a sudden, it was done. After that, I waited in a designated area for about 15 minutes just to make sure I didn’t have an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
If you have been hospitalized for an allergic reaction before, you will need to wait for 30 minutes instead of 15.
Q: What was the main symptom the firefighter mentioned?
A: Tiredness. His advice was if you feel tired, don’t fight it, and just sleep.
Q: Did the shot hurt at all?
A: It felt like flu shot, maybe even less.
Q: How did the shot feel afterward?
A: There was a little soreness, but nothing else.
Q: Can you get vaccinated without an appointment?
A: Yes! For the most part, they were giving shots to anyone who showed up. It doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you’re eligible.
Q: Emotionally, how did you react after you received the vaccine?
A: It was an amazing feeling to get the shot and be an even bigger part of the next steps in this pandemic.