De Blasio To Zoomers: Get A Coronavirus Vaccine, Kids

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Bill de Blasio wants young New Yorkers to be as enthusiastic for the coronavirus vaccine as they are for center parts and straight-leg pants.

De Blasio, who turned 60 this week, tried to drum up enthusiasm for vaccinating the sometimes-vexing Generation Z.

Zoomers — or at least those between 12 and 15 — are likely soon to be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, he said.

“Let’s get them vaccinated for the good of everyone,” he said Wednesday.

The Zoomer vaccination push comes as federal health advisers meet to issue recommendations on how to vaccinate kids as young as 12 with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Food and Drug Administration officials this week already approved expanded use of Pfizer’s shots. The CDC on Wednesday appeared poised to make a similar decision.

The city has already allocated vaccines to community health providers who requested doses to vaccinate that 12- to 15-year-old group, said Dave Chokshi, the city's health commissioner.

“We will be making appointments available as soon as possible after the CDC decision,” he said.

Children ages 12 to 15 will need consent to from a parent or guardian either in person or over the phone to get the shots, Chokshi said.

He noted research indicates the vaccine is especially effective and safe for children that age.

"The vaccine will protect your child, your family and your community," he said. "And, Mr. Mayor, it might help the Zoomers spend a little bit less time on Zoom."

De Blasio, who has increasingly leaned into puns and cheeky stunts, smiled.

"Yes, we would definitely like the Zoomers to spend more time away from any kind of screen," he said.