A San Diego resident gets vaccinated at a COVID-19 vaccination site at San Diego State University. Photo: County of San Diego

San Diego, CA–The County of San Diego is preparing to offer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to youth ages 12-15 as soon as it is authorized by the California Department of Public Health.

That guidance is expected soon, and delivery of the vaccine could begin as early as May 13. State figures show San Diego County has 175,864 people ages 12-15.

“We’re looking forward to joining with schools, pediatricians and all of our medical partners in the region to vaccinate this new cohort of eligible people,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The reports from the Food and Drug Administration show the vaccine is extremely effective for young people of these ages, and adding them to our vaccinated roles will better improve public health and protect the vulnerable and those not eligible to be vaccinated.”

The county has delivered more than 3.68 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. More than 3.2 million doses were administered to residents.

Over 1.74 million or 64.7% of San Diego county residents 16 and older have received at least one shot. About 1.27 million people are fully vaccinated.

The goal of the county is to fully vaccinate 75% of San Diego county residents 16 and older or 2,017,011 people.

To date, 86.3% of the goal population has received at least one vaccine and 63.0% are fully vaccinated.