Hoosiers 12 and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine statewide starting Thursday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Health announced today that Hoosiers ages 12 and older can begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at 8 a.m. this Thursday.

“For me the biggest thing is if you have gotten the vaccination don’t shame people for who have not gotten it or choose not to get it," said Mishawaka mom, Sierra Hughes.

The CDC recommended the use of the Pfizer vaccine for this age group on Wednesday following the FDA’s expansion of the vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization earlier this week. and it's something the chair of the CDC vaccine advisory committee says is bringing us closer to the finish line.

“This is one more step to gaining immunity and bringing the pandemic closer to an end," said Dr. Jose Romero, Chair of ACIP.

The Indiana Department of Health has already opened up appointments for eligible Hoosiers online and will allow children to start vaccinating, Thursday with parental consent.

“I’d like to see a couple years go by just to see for one how the vaccination affects people, but then also the percentages in covid-19 and the impact on covid-19 and the spread vs the vaccination," said Hughes. 

The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for people under age 18.

To find a vaccine clinic that offers the Pfizer vaccine, click here or call 211. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

An adult must accompany a child between ages 12 to 15 to the appointment and parental consent is required for minors.