Children ages 12-15 start to return for second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Many children ages 12 to 15 are now on their way to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as Thursday marked three weeks since the age group became eligible to get the shot.

The Pfizer vaccine, which is the only one approved for children under the age of 18, requires its second dose be administered around three weeks after the administration of the first one.

The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services reported Thursday .2% of children ages 12-15 have completed their vaccine series, or 529 kids. More than one fifth of children have received at least their first dose of the vaccine.

12-year-old Pierce Vanderloo received his first dose the day his age group became eligible on May 13.

“It’s exciting, because I’m going to be able to have a somewhat normal summer,” Pierce said.

He received his second dose Thursday, marking a milestone for his family of five.

“Now we all have at least both shots, our 16-year-old got his second shot a week ago today,” Pierce’s mother, Darsee Vanderloo, said.

Dr. William Hartman with UW Health also took his 12-year-old son, Jack, to get his second dose Thursday.

“I’ve done a lot of work with the COVID patients. You always wonder if you are going to get COVID and bring it home, are you going to give it to your kids,” Dr. Hartman said.

Dr. Hartman said current vaccination rates are promising, with more than 49 percent of the youngest group eligible in Dane Co. receiving at least one dose.

“It’s going to be really nice to not be worried about getting COVID when I’m with friends,” Jack Hartman said.

Pfizer’s vaccine is the only one available for children ages 12-15. Dr. Hartman, who studies the COVID-19 vaccines and is the principal investigator for UW Health’s AstraZeneca trial, said Moderna’s vaccine should become available for kids soon.

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