The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) will begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 12 years of age or older. The Pfizer vaccine was previously authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration for individuals aged 16 and up.

“DOH-St. Lucie is thrilled to offer Pfizer vaccine for children 12 years of age or older, because the vaccine is extremely effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19,” said Clint Sperber, Administrator of DOH-St. Lucie.

DOH-St. Lucie will begin vaccinating every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DOH-St. Lucie, located at 5150 NW Milner Drive in Port St. Lucie. Eligible individuals can make an appointment for a Pfizer vaccine by calling (772) 462- 3800. DOH-St. Lucie will be taking 215 appointments per week at the Milner office.

The Pfizer vaccine has proven to be safe and effective at protecting against the highly contagious COVID-19 virus. Based on evidence from clinical trials, the vaccine has a 95% efficacy rate. All individuals under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form.