Governor Cuomo issued a statement Tuesday saying New York teenagers will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as early as Thursday. Earlier this week, federal officials expanded use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine to children as young as 12.
Monroe County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza said that’s good news for the community, although he knows parents and many adolescents still have questions about the vaccine. Mendoza urged pediatricians around the county to begin administering the vaccine in their offices and clinics, which may make patients more comfortable to receive it.
Mendoza says children can get sick with the virus, and can also spread it even if they tend not to get as seriously ill as adults with the virus.