Local pediatricians, Drs., Holstein, Krell, Larson, Pepper, Willman and Withrow, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend all children who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine receive it when possible. Vaccines are safe and effective in protecting individuals and populations against infectious diseases. New vaccines are evaluated by a long-standing, rigorous and transparent process. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have done their due diligence to ensure safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Although some may have concerns about the speed at which the vaccine was developed, you can be assured that no safety step was compromised. The CDC and FDA are continuing to carefully monitor for side effects/adverse reactions in all recipients.

As of May 10, 2021, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series has been approved for ages 12 – 15 (previously approved for ages 16+). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) showed unanimous approval of the vaccine in this age group. The side effect profile in adolescents aged 12 – 15 years old is similar to that of adults with the most common side effect being a sore arm with other possible side effects of headache, fatigue, fever, chills, muscle pain typically lasting 24 hours and more common following the second dose of the vaccine. Approximately 6% of study participants experienced an adverse event which included swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, constipation. No deaths, blood clots, serious allergic reactions or Bell’s palsy reported in study participants. Additionally, the vaccine in the 12 – 15 age group showed 100% efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection.

Additionally, on May 12, 2021, the ACIP and CDC removed the waiting period required between COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. This will allow adolescents to receive all recommended vaccines when most convenient for them. Pfizer is currently undergoing trials for the COVID-19 vaccine in the 2 – 11-year-old age group with anticipated emergency use authorization approval this fall, followed by approval in age 6 months – 2 years.

We continue to closely monitor this situation. Our website is up-to-date with vaccine locations and information links, visit www.YanktonMedicalClinic.com/covid-19-vaccine/.

About Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C.

Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. opened January 1, 1982 as the result of a merger between the Yankton Clinic and the Medical Clinic.  Physician-owned and operated, Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. is a multi-specialty clinic with 43 physicians, 15 advance practice providers, 18 medical specialties, more than 260 employees, four clinic locations, including Vermillion, S.D., Norfolk, Nebr. and two in Yankton S.D., and serves 16 outreach locations in South Dakota and Nebraska. www.YanktonMedicalClinic.com

Media Contact:

Cheryl Havermann
Director of Marketing
605-665-7841