Local 12-to 15-year-olds vaccinated against COVID-19

Cambria County, Pa. (WJAC) — Wednesday afternoon, 13-year-old Kaci Noon and 12-year-old Brenna Beckman -- both of Cambria County -- received their first dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.

"It feels really good to be part of history, helping put one foot in front of the other to get back to before COVID happening." Kaci said.

It happened at Conemaugh East Hills where vaccination clinics are held every Wednesday.

"There are other people in this community. It's not just yourself. I think it's really important to try and help everyone out," Brenna said.

On May 10th, the FDA expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) of Pfizer's vaccine to include adolescences ages 12 to 15 years old.

Brenna said she had COVID and is now doing her part to break the cycle.

"It just really wore me down. I don't want anyone who is at a higher risk to get it," she said.

Dr. Travis Rearick, a Family Physician with Conemaugh East Hills, said parents with hesitancy should contact their child's doctor.

He said side effects like fevers, chills, body aches, and fatigue are all normal and even expected.

"It's a sign that your immune system has been sparked," he explained.

"The vaccine is somewhat of a shortcut for your body to end up with an antibody, short of getting COVID itself."

Kaci's mom, Jodi Noon, said she felt relieved knowing her daughter is protected.

She said they lost a family member to COVID-19, but still understands the hesitancy some parents have.

"I think it's completely understandable to be nervous. This is a new vaccine," she said.

"From my standpoint, we trust the research. We trust the medical professionals. We've taken the guidance. We've looked at the research, and we made our decision based on that."

While the FDA says children and adolescents generally have milder cases of COVID than adults, they say:

From March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021, approximately 1.5 million COVID-19 cases in individuals 11 to 17 years of age have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

15-year-old Abbey Shawley also received her first dose of Pfizer's vaccine Wednesday.

"As soon as it opened to 12-to-15-year olds, I knew I wanted to get it. It's a way to keep me safe and others safe," she said.

Her dad, Ryan Shawley, said he hopes younger people getting vaccinated will help schools.

"I hope we can get even some of the younger kids vaccinated so we can get schools back to normal, and not disrupt their learning anymore," he said.

Not disrupting their learning -- in the hopes of having a normal school year -- with help from the vaccine.

"It's been a challenging year for school-aged kids. The more people that get it, I think the better off we'll be as a community for next year," Dr. Rearick said.

To register your 12- to 15-year-old for a vaccine through Conemaugh, call (814) 410-8400.

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