Most middle schoolers are now eligible to get the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control approved the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 years olds, and they have begun to get the vaccine as of Thursday, May 13.

Some people have doubts about the vaccine and wonder because it’s so new and was developed so quickly, whether it’s safe. According to CNN, “An April Quinnipiac University poll found that 36 percent of younger Americans — under the age of 35 — don’t plan to get vaccinated.”

That’s concerning news to a country trying to immunize as many people as possible, especially since Pfizer mentioned at the end of March that a clinical trial held of 2,600 12-15 year olds, showed the vaccine was “highly effective.”

In an informal survey of 10 Bedford Middle Schoolers, seven students said they would get the shot if eligible. Three of the respondents were not sure.

Finn Sequenzia, an 8th grader, said he thinks people will get the vaccine for athletics. “It will help with sports because it will let kids go to sports tournaments.”

Another student Anvi Krishna, a sixth grader said, “I feel very excited about the shot. I can’t wait for things to go back to normal and for people to finally be less at risk. I believe everyone should take the shot if they have a chance to, to ensure safety for all students and staff.”

According to the CDC, once fully vaccinated (two weeks after a second shot), if exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 you do not need to quarantine unless you are showing symptoms. If exposed in school after being fully vaccinated you will not have to quarantine.

According to the CDC, as of May 19, anyone who is fully vaccinated, will not have to wear a mask indoors or maintain social distancing.
For some people, being vaccinated is a gift that allows them to go see family, to go to once-canceled events and to do many more things previously restricted during this year of the pandemic. Many feel being vaccinated is the big step toward being done with COVID-19.