Hudson Valley doctor’s offices are vaccinating adolescents ages 12 to 15 against COVID-19 following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel's recommendation.

This means eligibility for the vaccine expands to about 87% of the U.S. population, including about 17 million children that can get protected from the virus at a time when 1 of every 5 newly reported cases include those under the age of 18.

Allied Physicians Group in White Plains is one of the first clinics in the region to administer the Pfizer shot to kids in the age group.

They say the phones were ringing off the hook Thursday and the office received 180 requests with only 120 available doses.

“We opened it up online, sent an email out and crashed the system within minutes,” says Dr. Eric Levene of Allied Physicians Group.

While doctors say everyone 12 and up should get vaccinated, they advise that those at high risk should file first in line. This includes kids who are immunocompromised and those who have breathing problems or transplants. Doctors say these children should try to get the shot as soon as possible now that they can.

Teens have had their lives upended during the pandemic at a time in their lives when many are still developing social skills, making friends and even going to college. That's why teens who are receiving the vaccine say they're looking forward to a new chapter.

”It’s a big thing. I’m pretty excited to be one of the first people that’s going to be able to get it for my age group," says patient Megan Tiedemann. “I’m excited that I’ll be able to get back to sports and normal life.”

Although offices like Allied Physicians Group are taking appointments, anyone ages 12 and up can go to any state-run vaccination site without an appointment as long as you have proof of identification and parental consent.

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