The FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15 on Monday, May 10 . Now, any high school student is able to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

 In Green Lake County, these vaccines became available Wednesday, May 12 and currently have spots open for vaccination appointments.

“Each week, we post a new schedule for the following week on the Green Lake County website,” Allison Davey, a member of the Green Lake Health Department said. 

Many different places are distributing COVID-19 vaccines making it convenient for people to receive their vaccine. Davey said that vaccines are available at Green Lake County Health Department, Ripon Drug Pharmacy, Bentleys Pharmacy in Princeton, any Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart, as well as from local physicians. 

The process of scheduling an appointment is fairly easy. For students under the age of 18, a parent must sign a consent form before making the appointment. 

“The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine authorized for kids ages 12-17. A parent must sign your consent form for you. Also, on your day of vaccination, make sure you eat breakfast and drink plenty of water before you go,” Davey said.

Since the vaccine is now available to younger ages, freshman and sophomores are eligible to receive it. Freshman Camille Bruce-DeMuri plans to get her vaccine as soon as she can.

“I really want things to get better, and I think by getting the vaccine I am doing my part to help,” Bruce-DeMuri said.

Green Lake County is doing its best to spread the information and promote vaccinations.

“Green Lake County has been promoting all COVID-19 and vaccination information via The Berlin Journal and Facebook. We also reach out regularly to many of our community partners such as the school nurses and larger businesses,” Davey said.

The Berlin Area School District is also doing their part by spreading awareness about vaccination availability and benefits.

“In the future, we (the school) may hold a school clinic if we find a provider willing to do so,” Health Services Director Terri Mauel said.

By having more people vaccinated, the hope is to soon return to normal activities.

“An increase in the number of vaccines would help ensure a decrease in COVID-19 infections and thus decrease isolations and quarantines allowing the school community to be able to resume activities in a normal manner without masking and physical distancing.  We hope many people are able to take advantage of vaccination,” Mauel said.

Although by getting the vaccine we are one step closer to ending the pandemic, there are still precautions that must be taken.

“Even if you are vaccinated, remember to be safe and think about others around you.  Not everyone can get the vaccine. You can still get and be infectious to others even if you are vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective,” Davey said.

To schedule your vaccine go to vaccines.gov.