COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available for Ages 12 and Older

Albany, GA | May 13, 2021 – Beginning today, Phoebe is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone 12 and older, following decisions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).  This week, the FDA authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12 through 15-year-old adolescents, and the CDC and DPH recommended its use among that age group.

“Throughout our pandemic response, we have followed guidance from the experts at the FDA, CDC and DPH, and we continue to do so.  Now, that the science confirms the Pfizer vaccine is safe for adolescents, we are excited to be able to provide protection from the virus to younger southwest Georgians,” said Dianna Grant, MD, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Medical Officer.

Phoebe will administer shots at its mass vaccination sites in Albany and Americus today and next Thursday.  They will be provided in Sylvester next Wednesday.  Second dose appointments will be scheduled as patients receive their first dose.  “We are winding down operations at our mass sites and had stopped providing first doses, but with this change in guidelines, we felt it was important to make the vaccine available immediately for families who want to vaccinate their children who are at least 12,” Dr. Grant said.

Beginning today, Moderna vaccines are also available at Phoebe’s two urgent care clinics, and the Pfizer vaccine is available at the Phoebe Community Care Clinic.  Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment at those clinics, or any Phoebe primary care clinic can call 229-312-MYMD(6963).  Anyone wishing to schedule a vaccination at one of the mass sites should call 229-312-1919.  Vaccination appointment scheduling and more information about the vaccines are also available at www.phoebehealth.com.