By Mary O’KEEFE

On Wednesday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] endorsed the “safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in 12 through 15-year-old adolescents.”

This extends administration of the Pfizer vaccine to those 12 years olds and up.

“Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization,” read the statement from CDC director Rochelle Walensky.

The Federal Drug Administration [FDA] on Monday authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-to-15 year olds.

“Getting adolescents vaccinated means faster return to social activities and [they] can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected,” the CDC statement continued.

Parents and guardians can book an appointment for children 12 to 15 through myturn.ca.gov or by calling California’s COVID-19 Hotline at (833) 422-4255.

This vaccine comes as cases of COVID-19 are increasing in children. According to American Academy of Pediatrics, children now account for 22% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Last year that rate was 3%.

“In a new policy statement published [this week], the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccinating all children ages 12 and older who are eligible for the federally authorized COVID-19 vaccine,” according to a statement from AAP.

Numbers as of May 10 at 6 p.m.

Location                        Total Positive Cases                                   Total Deaths

Burbank                                 8,910                                                     237

Glendale                               19,999                                                     612

La Cañada Flintridge               758                                                      16

Eagle Rock                              3,666                                                     111

Sunland                                  2,286                                                       57

Tujunga                                  2,941                                                        67

La Crescenta/Montrose       1,100                                                       15