Bronson will host vaccine clinic for 12 to 17-year-olds this Sunday

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Bronson Healthcare is expanding scheduling for COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations to include 12 to 15-year-olds, and will be hosting a vaccination clinic specifically for those 12 to 17 years of age.

The announcement comes following this afternoon’s approval by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to begin vaccinating that age group.

The clinic for 12 to 17 year old individuals will take place this Sunday, May 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bronson’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.

The clinic is located at 6901 Portage Road in Portage.

Vaccinations are by appointment only. All 12 through 17-year-olds will be eligible and do not need to be a Bronson patient. However, they will need parental consent to receive the vaccine.

• 12-15 year olds: Must be accompanied by an adult at the clinic. If the adult present is not the parent or legal guardian, an authorization form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and that paper consent must be brought to the appointment by the adult.
• 16-17 year olds: If a parent or legal guardian does not accompany the patient to the clinic, an authorization form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and patient must bring the paper consent to the appointment.

Blank authorization forms can be printed at home or picked up at a Bronson pediatric practice, Bronson Family Medicine – Helmer Road, or one of these outpatient testing sites during regular business hours.

Bronson will have 384 appointment slots available when scheduling for the clinic opens at 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 12.

Patients may select an appointment time through online scheduling, or through Bronson MyChart.

Those unable to use online scheduling can call Bronson’s Vaccine Call Center at (269) 220-3970, Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Details can be found at bronsonhealth.com/covid19vaccine.

“This vaccine has been proven to be incredibly effective and very safe,” Bronson Pediatrician Dr. Megan Sikkema said in a statement. “Choosing to vaccinate our children is one of the most important things we can do right now to get kids back in school and participating in the social interactions that are so critical for their development and mental health.”

A Bronson pediatrician will be on-hand throughout the Sunday clinic to answer questions from children and teens and their parents or guardians.

Due to space limitations, officials ask that only one adult accompany the child to the appointment.

In addition to the Sunday clinic, all Bronson clinics administering the Pfizer vaccine will be open starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday for those for 12 and up to schedule into, and are listed on the calendar at bronsonhealth.com/covid19vaccine.