Montco Now Administering Pfizer Vaccine To Children 12 And Over

NORRISTOWN, PA — Children 12 and over in Montgomery County can now receive the Pfizer vaccine, officials in the county announced on Tuesday. The swift action comes shortly after the FDA announced its approval of the vaccine for that age group, and leapfrogs the state's own recommendations by a day.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Tuesday that they would wait for the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to give its final approval, which is expected after a meeting Wednesday. Montgomery County is not waiting.

"ACIP's role is to recommend vaccine schedules for children, but that is a recommendation only," Montgomery County spokesperson Kelly Cofrancisco told Patch. "Under all relevant legal authority, once the FDA gives approval, a prescriber is permitted to prescribe the vaccine."

As of early Tuesday afternoon, 300 children aged 12 to 15 had already been registered for the vaccine at the King of Prussia and Montgomery malls, the county said.

"Since ACIP does not have any role in determining whether we begin administering the Pfizer vaccine to those 12 and up starting today, we chose to move ahead," Confrancisco added. "Our goal remains to continue to get as many shots in arms as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The move marks a major milestone of the pandemic as the region attempts to achieve herd immunity and schools hope to reopen as normal in the fall.

Shots will be available on a walk-up basis at all of its clinics, although pre-registration is still recommended.

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In order to receive the vaccine, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.