North GA – Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for youths ages 12 to 17, and public health officials in North Georgia strongly recommend that they get their vaccine as soon as possible this summer to be fully vaccinated before the new school year begins.

Health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties offer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, but some health departments are capable of maintaining only a limited number of doses, so it is best to call the health department ahead of arrival to confirm Pfizer vaccine is available that day (please see phone numbers below). The health departments will also conduct special vaccine clinics to make it easier for young residents to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that is approved for them. Public announcements about these vaccine clinics are being posted online in North Georgia Health District News at https://nghd.org/news.

COVID-19 vaccine is no-cost at the health departments. No appointment is needed. No identification is required.

Minors must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to be vaccinated (access the COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form in English or in Spanish).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research has shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 100% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus in children ages 12 through 15. Previous research has shown that the vaccine is 95% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms in people aged 16 and older.

Children are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. They can resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

In the U.S., children who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine or get a COVID-19 test after a known exposure if they don't have symptoms, with some exceptions for specific settings.

Health officials urge young people to get vaccinated now for a safer, more enjoyable summer, to get ready for the new schoolyear and to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine, go to Questions About COVID-19?.

Cherokee: Canton (770) 345-7371, Woodstock (770) 928-0133 / Fannin (706) 632-3023 / Gilmer (706) 635-4363 / Murray (706) 695-4585 / Pickens (706) 253-2821 / Whitfield (706) 279-9600