SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published on May 11, 2021.
Summit County Public Health announced Wednesday morning plans to immediately begin vaccinating 12-15-year-olds once the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approve of Pfizer's two-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
"In anticipation that the ACIP recommendation will be for use of the Pfizer vaccine in children ages 12-15, SCPH is providing opportunities for children ages 12-15 to be vaccinated," a representative for SCPH said in a release sent to 3News.
The local health department says that it will begin offering vaccines to teenagers on Wednesday, May 19, at 1 p.m.
SCPH also will host weekly drive-thru clinics beginning May 19 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., held at its downtown Akron location (1867 W. Market Street) through June 30. Appointments can be made by calling SCPH's COVID-19 call center at (330) 926-5795. Walk-in appointments are also available.
SCPH will also host a Pfizer vaccine clinic on May 22, from noon to 3 p.m., at Hardesty Park (1615 W. Market Street).
A parent or legal guardian must be present for anyone under the age of 18 looking to receive a vaccine.
Even after vaccination, the CDC and SCPH recommend following COVID_19 safety measures and guidelines, including:
- Stay home if you’re sick, even with mild symptoms
- Be mindful in your interactions with others
- Limit your chances of exposure by maintaining social distancing of at least six feet from non-household members
- Wear a mask in public
- Consider necessary travel only
- Follow good hygiene standards
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer frequently
- Avoid touching your face
- Cover coughs and sneezes
Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published on May 11, 2021.