COVID-19 vaccine now available in San Angelo for youths age 12-15

San Angelo Standard-Times

Christian Martinez, age 15 at far left, is interviewed by local media after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at the Shannon Medical Center clinic at the Sunset Mall on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

SAN ANGELO --— The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to youths ages 12-15 in Tom Green County at the Shannon Medical Center vaccination clinic located in Sunset Mall, and some young people are already taking advantage.

Shannon Medical Center made the announcement Thursday, May 13, and it did not take long for one local teenager to make an appointment. Christian Martinez, 15, said he felt compelled to protect himself and others by getting the Pfizer vaccine as soon as young people in his age group were deemed eligible.

"I've been wanting to do it," Martinez said. "I wasn't in the age group until today. I feel great. I thought it would hurt but it didn't. People in my age group like to hang out and be with friends and have fun so, you have a chance of getting it (COVID-19). I'm just trying to keep myself from getting it."

Shannon Medical Center pharmacist Carlos Robledo draws a COVID-19 vaccine shot at the vaccination center in the Sunset Mall on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Shannon Pediatrician Dr. Karl Wehner, who was on hand at the clinic during the first day of eligibility for the 12-15 age group, had a message for adults who are still hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

"A great deal of vaccine has been given since January and we've seen very few side effects," Wehner said. "And, we already know how devastating the virus can be. It's a false sense of security to think that it's a mild illness because it's not. Even some 30 and 40 year olds are seeing some long-term issues. You are taking real risks by not taking the vaccine. It's a really serious disease."

Colin Murphey is a photojournalist covering all things in West Texas for the San Angelo Standard-Times. Send him a news tip at CMurphey@gannett.com. Consider supporting West Texas journalism with a subscription to GoSanAngelo.com.