City Vaccinates First Group of 12- to 15-Year-Olds

More than 200 youngsters became the first Pasadenans in the 12- to 15-year-old category to receive COVID-19 vaccinations Friday at a city-sponsored clinic.

Just on Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization of the vaccine for adolescents earlier in the week.

Friday’s clinic was held at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, at 75 N. Marengo Avenue. John Jay Alvaro, lead pastor of the First Baptist Church, said he was “grateful” for the opportunity to provide the church’s property for the clinic.

“Fortunately,” he said, “Churches have a bit of community trust we can share, and I’ve also got a 13-year-old, and he was here this morning at 9:30. As soon as we heard the Pfizer vaccine was available, we were excited that we could help out with that need. We’ve had a lot of kids here this morning.”

The city originally estimated that only about 60 youngsters would be vaccinated, but the turnout was over three times larger.

‘We’re doing very well,” said Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, Pasadena’s Director of Public Health and Health Officer, at the clinic. “I think we are one of the top cities, and that’s a testament to our residents, and their desire to keep themselves safe and keep our community safe, so we really thank them.”

The vaccination eligibility number could soon drop down to infants as well, said Dr. Goh.

“There are studies going on right now, with individuals aged six months and older,” said Goh. “In these trials they can study different dosing for smaller kids, and so hopefully by fall, we anticipate having some results, and hopefully, eligibilities for younger kids.”

According to Alvaro, the City will set up another mobile clinic at the church on Friday, May 21, with both first and second doses available.

Parents can reserve appointments for their children through the state vaccination website at myturn.ca.gov. A parent or guardian must accompany children to the appointments. Parents can get more information by calling the Pasadena Service Center for help at (626) 744-7311.