cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Lee Health announced Thursday the system will now also offer COVID-19 vaccines to those ages 12-15.

Officials said with the recent approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approval for the 12 to 15 age group, Lee Health will schedule appointments for youths that fall into that category.

“It is so important to get our kids in to get the COVID-19 vaccine, so that we can get as many students vaccinated as possible before the next school year starts,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health in a statement. “We are urging all parents to please bring their children in to get this potentially life-saving vaccine.”

Lee Health began scheduling appointments for the newly approved age group on Thursday, and a parent or authorized guardian must accompany a minor to receive a vaccination.

“As a pediatric infectious diseases physician, I really want to encourage parents to vaccinate their children for COVID-19 as soon as they’re able,” said Dr. Stephanie Stovall, interim chief of Quality and Patient Safety for Lee Health, in a statement. “We have years of research and data on this type of Pfizer vaccine, and it is safe and effective.”

Those interested can schedule an appointment only by visiting www.leehealth.org. You do not need to be a Lee Health patient as the clinic is open to everyone in the community. A mask is required to enter any Lee Health facility.

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