City of St. Louis Teenagers Become Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccines

The City of St. Louis Department of Health began allowing children 12-15 years of age to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine during the second day of a three-day clinic at Busch Stadium co-sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. This age group is the latest to become available following authorizations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). 

Thursday’s clinic provided 314 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with 249 Pfizer and 65 Johnson & Johnson vaccines administered. Added to yesterday’s total of 143 vaccines brings the two-day total to 457 vaccines. 

“Many parents of children 12-15 years old have waited for the opportunity to bring them to receive their COVID-19 vaccination,” says Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the City of St. Louis. “By making the vaccine available to this age group, we move further toward having more city residents fully vaccinated for COVID-19, which is an important part of the process to move the City of St. Louis and the region out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage those who remain undecided about getting vaccinated to speak with their medical provider, local health department or other source that can provide accurate information on the risks and benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, a public health tool that has been proven to prevent severe COVID-19 complications, including hospitalization and death.”

There is one more day to visit the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Busch Stadium. The clinic is scheduled for tomorrow from 9:00am-1:00pm. Appointments are quickly filling up and scheduled through an online portal; however, walk-ins will be accepted. In addition, individuals receiving a vaccine can get a ticket voucher – graciously donated by the St. Louis Cardinals. Vouchers are good for two tickets toward an upcoming game. Some restrictions do apply to the ticket vouchers.

Individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who cannot make this week’s clinics at Busch Stadium are encouraged to visit the Community Vaccination Clinic (CVC) at the Dome. It is open seven days a week, beginning at 8:00am each day. Free parking for the Community Vaccination Clinic is available near Cole and 6th Streets. Shuttles will provide transportation from the parking areas to the clinic entrance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sponsors the CVC.

Earlier Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new facial covering guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. The City of St. Louis Department of Health is reviewing these new guidelines. It is also working with the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health on updated information for the St. Louis community. Until then, city residents are asked to continue complying with Health Commissioner’s Order #11, requiring anyone aged nine and older to wear a facial covering when inside public facilities, public transportation vessels, and outside when social distancing is not possible.