Pasadena Unified has partnered with a number of community clinics to administer vaccinations to eligible community members at school sites. The vaccination schedules and appointments can be found at myturn.ca.gov.

The vaccination schedules and appointments can be found at myturn.ca.gov.

Both the Pasadena Unified Clinic and the community clinics offer Pfizer for youth. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are also offered at the community clinic sites.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are absolutely free to the recipient – not even an insurance copay will be charged. You can choose to provide your insurance information when you schedule your appointment.

Everyone age 12 and over in LA County is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

When a student makes an appointment for a vaccine through myturn.ca.gov, they will receive a confirmation email with the appointment information.   The parent needs to bring identification for the student and parent to the appointment.  Additional forms will be given at the time of the appointment.

Vaccinating students age 12 and over is an important part of creating the safest possible environment at schools, and protects the student's family members.  The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that in May 2021, youth accounted for 22 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. when in Spring 2020, youth cases were only around three percent. It is important to get young people vaccinated to prevent new cases from increasing, starting with our 12 to 18-year-olds.

After clinical trials showed the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and highly effective in protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death in those aged 12 to 15, the FDA granted emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for this next eligible age group. This is the same vaccine that has already been safely administered to millions of California adults, including 30 percent of people aged 16 and 17.

Side effects for young people are similar to those experienced by adults which could include a sore arm, fever, fatigue, chills, headache, and nausea. Some experience more symptoms than others while others have none.

As with any other vaccine, medical experts state that mild symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity and it is important to remember that the vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for all of us.

It is important for those who receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to return for their second dose in order to gain the full protection that vaccines have to offer.

Vaccine trials and approvals commonly begin with older, more vulnerable populations then extend to younger ages. Adolescents were the next group to be prioritized because they are most similar to adults and are more likely than younger children to spread the virus and become seriously ill.

Both Pfizer and Moderna have ongoing clinical trials in people younger than 12. On October 7, Pfizer submitted a request for an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for youth ages 5 - 11 years. 

No. According to the CDC, “None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.” It is important to have trustworthy and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html.

No. According to the CDC, “Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​” Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

Trustworthy and factual information is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

You can read more about vaccines for 12-18 year-olds from the California Department of Health. You can read their FAQ for parents in English or Spanish.

If you received the Pfizer vaccine, CDC recommends that certain groups of individuals should receive a Pfizer booster shot at least 6 months after the second dose. More information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

If you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you need two doses to reach their maximum level of protection. Students 12-18 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccination. Once they make an appointment for their first dose, they will be automatically scheduled for their second dose. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is one dose and approved for those 18 years and above.