The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Committee today authorized for emergency use the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds, at least six months after they received their second shot of that vaccine.

“Today, CDC is strengthening its booster recommendations and encouraging everyone 16 and older to receive a booster shot,” CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement. “Although we don’t have all the answers on the Omicron variant, initial data suggests that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen the protection against Omicron and other variants. We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I strongly encourage adolescents ages 16 and 17 to get their booster if they are at least six months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series.” 

At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

There are an estimated 100,000 people in Oregon ages 16 and 17. Booster doses are widely available, but you may need to wait. Call your provider to make an appointment, check out any of these vaccination clinics, or search the vaccine locator map to find a provider near you.

Oregon Health Authority is in the process of updating its website and resources for parents and teens.

Everyone in Oregon ages 12-18 became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on May 19. All adults 18 years and older became eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster on Nov. 19.