DSHS Encourages Pediatric Providers To Enroll in COVID-19 Vaccine Program

News Release
May 7, 2021

In anticipation of the expansion of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization to include adolescents age 12 years and older, the Texas Department of State Health Services invites pediatric health care providers to enroll in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program. Currently, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people 16 years and older.

“Vaccinating adolescents will bring us closer to ending the pandemic and getting back to normal,” said DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD. “Starting the enrollment process now will enable pediatric providers to start vaccinating their patients soon after the FDA expands the Pfizer vaccine’s EUA.”

DSHS sent a letter to more than 3,000 pediatric providers enrolled in the Texas Vaccines for Children Program as well as to the Texas Medical Association, Texas Pediatric Society and other provider groups inviting them to enroll. Providers can start the enrollment process at EnrollTexasIZ.dshs.texas.gov.

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(News Media Contact: pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov)