Skip to main content

Military Health System

Adolescents ages 12 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations

Image of Son of military personnel receiving his COVID-19 vaccine. Son of military personnel receiving his COVID-19 vaccine

Recommended Content:

Children's Health | Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | Coronavirus & the MHS Response

At age 14, Samuel Stockton likes his school, and is anxious to return to a typical routine which has been anything but for over a year.

Accustomed to playing offense on the soccer pitch, that same principle of mounting an attack against a foe played out not on the field of play, but in an immunization clinic.

Samuel's dad, Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Command Master Chief Rob Stockton brought his son in to be administered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

"I wanted to keep him healthy and also prevent him from unintentionally spreading the virus," said Stockton.

Although a lot of students might appreciate getting away from school on a weekday, that approach was not a reason or any kind of motivation for Samuel.

"Missing school was definitely not an incentive. He likes school," Stockton said. "But it shows how important getting the vaccine is, thus we prioritized health and safety over a morning of school."

As has been the case for many school-age children, the pandemic has disrupted school curriculum(s), curtailed individual and team sports and put a crimp on social interactions.

The virus has also directly impacted and even infected some children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than three million kids under the age of 17 have contracted COVID-19. Even though it is rare for adolescents and teens to get severely ill from COVID-19, it can happen. While cases, hospitalization and deaths are down, COVID patients are currently trending to be younger than they were before.

Not Samuel. His first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 has been administered. "Hardly felt it at all," he said.

The shot over, it was back to school and soccer, armed with a vaccination to take on a pervasive virus. His father thinks he'll share with others that he got the vaccine.

"In particular, COVID protocol for youth sports are a consideration," explained Stockton. "Encouraging his teammates to get the vaccine allows them to resume normal activities sooner."

As a military medical treatment facility, NHB is helping that process along, offering COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible beneficiaries age 12 and older.

However, A parent or guardian must accompany those under the age of 18.

Appointments can also be made for the COVID-19 vaccination by calling the Puget Sound Military Appointment Center, 1-800-404-4506, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration expanded the Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to include adolescents ages 12 and older, explained Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, Defense Health Agency director. "This is big news. Protecting our children, and further limiting transmission of the COVID virus, is the next logical step in our fight to end this pandemic. Upon the CDC Director's approval, Department of Defense has started administering doses to our expanded teenage population." stated.

The DHA also dispelled the myth that a parent's school-age child should delay getting the COVID-19 vaccine since they need to get other, school-required vaccinations in a few months. The CDC has determined that the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as other vaccines.

You also may be interested in...

COVID-19: Bottom Line on Boosters

Infographic
9/19/2022

Bottom Line on Boosters: Stay up to date!

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccines

Infographic
8/18/2022

How COVID-19 Vaccines Work – There are three types of vaccines currently available: mRNA, subunit protein, and viral vector. Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccine. Novavax is a subunit protein vaccine. Janssen is a viral vector vaccine. All products resemble a virus for the immune system to fight.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Novavax Vaccine

Infographic
8/18/2022

The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanated includes two doses, 21 days apart. Remember to mark your calendar and schedule time for your second dose.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | Types of COVID-19 Vaccines

Vax Fax: Should I Get A COVID-19 Booster Shot?

Infographic
7/1/2022

Some people may be eligible for a second booster shot. Share this graphic to communicate who may be eligible.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Vax Facts

Anyone Can Get Vaccinated

Infographic
7/1/2022

Now that anyone 6 months and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, share this graphic to encourage your community to get vaccinated.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | Get to Know the COVID-19 Vaccines

Mask Guidance

Infographic
7/1/2022

Mask Guidance for Department of Defense Facilities.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | Prevent COVID-19

Vax Facts: Should I Get a Second COVID-19 Booster Shot?

Infographic
7/1/2022

This graphic outlines eligibility requirements for a first booster shot.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Vax Facts

Child Vision Awareness Month

Infographic
5/19/2022

June is #ChildrensVisionAwarenessMonth! If you’ve noticed your child is squinting at the SmartBoard in classes or holding their books inches from their face at home, it might be time to take them to an optometrist. Check out @TRICARE for what services might be covered: https://t.co/5M2eOFraNc

Recommended Content:

June | Children's Health

COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Graphic 2

Infographic
4/21/2022

If your military hospital or clinic offers these antiviral treatments as part of the COVID-19 Test to Treat Initiative, use these graphics to promote your services to your beneficiaries.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Treatment

COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Main Graphic

Infographic
4/21/2022

If your military hospital or clinic offers these antiviral treatments as part of the COVID-19 Test to Treat Initiative, use these graphics to promote your services to your beneficiaries.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Treatment

National Infant Immunization Week

Infographic
3/15/2022

It’s more important than ever to help protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This #NationalInfantImmunizationWeek make sure your child and children around them are safe by ensuring your infant is properly vaccinated.

Recommended Content:

April Observances | Immunizations | Children's Health

VAXFacts TRICARE coverage Vaccine

Infographic
2/3/2022

Will TRICARE cover the COVID-19 Vaccine? Yes. TRICARE offers the vaccine itself at no cost, but there may be a cost based on your plan for an office visit or if you require follow-on care.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Vax Facts

Make Guidance for DOD Facilities

Infographic
2/3/2022

Mask Guidance for Department of Defense Facilities.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | Prevent COVID-19

Compromised Immune System

Infographic
2/3/2022

Do you have a compromised immune system? The CDC recommends you get an additional primary dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | Get to Know the COVID-19 Vaccines

VaxFacts: Should I get a booster?

Infographic
2/3/2022

Should I get a COVID-19 Booster Shot?

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus and the COVID-19 Vaccine | COVID-19 Vax Facts
<< < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > >> 
Showing results 1 - 15 Page 1 of 6
Refine your search
Last Updated: January 17, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery