By Patricia Fraga 

Austin ISD is ready to get 12 to 15-year-old students access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized for emergency use of the safe and effective Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the age group. Austin ISD has made plans to utilize already-scheduled vaccine clinics to administer the shot to anyone ages 12 and older.

“With this authorization, our middle and high school students will be able to walk into their classrooms next year knowing they have the best protection from COVID-19 possible'' said Alexandra Copeland, Director of Health Services for Austin ISD. “Vaccines have been the game-changer in our fight against COVID-19, and now more students will have access to this life-saving shot.”

The newly authorized age group mostly consists of students in sixth through ninth grade.

Austin ISD encourages families to seek out the vaccine through their physician or preferred pharmacy. For families who may not have easy access to those, Austin ISD will continue to host pop-up clinics with partners to make the vaccine available for students.

The authorization came at a key time, giving more students the opportunity to be vaccinated before classes begin in the fall. With more standard face-to-face instruction coming in the 2021-22 school year, the vaccine will enable students to get back to regular everyday school life and engage with their friends and classmates. 

Austin Public Health is also encouraging parents to get their qualifying teens and preteens vaccinated as soon as they can.

Families will be contacted through email as vaccine opportunities become available, or they can check the district calendar for all upcoming clinic dates.