Updated CDC Guidance for COVID-19 (May 17, 2021)

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendations for vaccinating adolescents aged 12 and over. Provided below are links to important information and resources that provide accurate, current information of the facts and benefits related to vaccinating adolescents aged 12 and over. Please share this information with your staff, program participants and other stakeholders as appropriate.

New CDC Guidance for Adolescents Aged 12 and Over

Web pages:

•  COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens provides information about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents aged 12 and older, how to find a vaccination provider for  adolescents, and what to expect during and after vaccination. 
• CDC has provided updated vaccine recommendations about the COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 12 and older (Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines and About COVID-19 Vaccines). 

Fact sheet: COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens  is a printable fact sheet for parents that explains the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, safety information, and what to expect during and after vaccination. 

Frequently asked questions: Two new questions and answers have been added to the FAQs  to address the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older. 

New CDC guidance for Menstrual Cycles and Infertility

The CDC web page, Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines, provides explanations about vaccine safety related to menstrual cycles and infertility.  

• Menstrual cycles: Your menstrual cycle cannot be affected by being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Infertility: It is safe for people who would like to have a baby one day to get a COVID-19 vaccine. 

New CDC guidance for Information for Healthcare and Vaccine Providers 

• Pediatric toolkit: The Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit provides materials to help healthcare providers give parents clear and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. The toolkit includes answers to common questions, an explanation of how mRNA vaccines work, and printable materials to give to parents. 
• FAQs about consent for minors: FAQs have been posted on the Pfizer-BioNTech product page for providers with information about consent,  prescreening questions, and other issues related to the vaccination of minors.   
• sample patient letter: Healthcare providers can customize and send this sample letter  to encourage their patients to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It includes the new recommendation that everyone aged 12 and up get a COVID-19 vaccination. 

New CDC guidance for Community Groups and Health Departments for updates related to adolescents aged 12 and older 

Toolkit for community-based organizations: The Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit  has been updated to include information and resources on COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.