Utah Kids Age 12+ Get Pfizer Vaccine Doses

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – More than 66,000 Utah children between the age of 12 and 18 have received at least one dose of the vaccine — about 18% of that age group — and 36,000 are now considered fully vaccinated.

Some were nervous as they showed up Tuesday morning at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, while others were not.

“It’s just getting a shot,” said 16-year-old Kyle Jones.

Christopher Whitehead, 13, and 17-year-old Breann Burningham didn’t even flinch.

Words of encouragement at Mtn America Expo Center for kiddos or anyone a little nervous about getting the vaccine. pic.twitter.com/k865pWztly

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) May 18, 2021

“I did not feel that at all,” said Burningham, who is on the Murray High School Dance Company.

She told KSL besides the actual poke she has one more concern about the vaccine. “I have a performance on Thursday it’s our last performance of the year, and so hopefully I don’t get too sick,” said Burningham.

Whitehead, a seventh grader at Jefferson Junior High School, he’s looking forward to getting back to his friends and soccer in the next few weeks.

“I’m a big soccer fan so it definitely impacted that,” said Whitehead, but he is understanding why he had to wait. “It was more dangerous for them to get the virus so it made a whole lot of sense, and I would have my time which is now.”

For Jones, getting the vaccine means a lot more freedom – his weakened immune system made it so he had to be more careful.

Now he can get back to what he really misses most.

“Hanging out with people at school,” said Jones.

Signs outside the expo center still indicate masks are required. Walk-ins are still taking place Monday — Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mountain American Expo Center in Sandy and the Maverik Center in West Valley City.

However, those coming outside those hours will not be turned away. Minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when they come for their vaccine.