CLEVELAND — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that beginning Tuesday, May 18, the mass vaccination clinic at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center will begin administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Ohio's youth, aged 12 and older.
The announcement from the Governor comes on the heels of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approving the use of the Pfizer two-shot dose for emergency use authorization (EUA).
Appointments for 12 to 17-year-old Ohioans at the Wolstein Center will open on gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov and will be open from May 18 through May 31. Due to the vaccine clinic at the Wolstein Center closing in June, underage residents will be scheduled to receive their second shot at a local Discount Drug Mart.
“This is promising news for Ohioans, making vaccine available to more people will help us return to the life we want to live. The COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly powerful, and by protecting more individuals, we make everyone safer,” said Governor DeWine. “We have worked proactively with the American Academy of Pediatrics – Ohio Chapter, children’s hospitals, and other providers to make sure they would be prepared to begin offering this vaccine to Ohio’s youth. I appreciate all they have done to prepare for this next phase.”
Any child under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian's consent in order to receive the vaccine. Officials recommend a parent or guardian to be with the minor during the vaccination unless the dose is administered in a physician's office or in a school-based setting.
Ohioans under the age of 18 can be vaccinated at any place where the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is being administered, but parents should know that due to current state law, 12-year-olds must have a prescription to get their coronavirus vaccine at a pharmacy.
During his Wednesday night statewide address, Gov. DeWine announced a major incentive for any teenager considering getting the shot.
"Ohioans under the age of 18 who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio's state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board," DeWine said during the address.
You can watch Gov. Mike DeWine's full Wednesday night address in the player below: