STORY BY TOMOKI CHIEN

In a widely anticipated move, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today gave the go-ahead for administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the 12- to 15-year-old age range.

The CDC’s green light follows the Food and Drug Administration’s Monday approval of the vaccine. Only three states — Arkansas, Delaware and Georgia — opened eligibility to the expanded age range immediately following the FDA’s approval, although all others are expected to expand eligibility in light of the CDC’s go-ahead.

Locally, some 72% of Santa Clara County residents over the age of 16 have received at least one dose of vaccine, with the 16 to 29 age range consisting of the highest number of unvaccinated residents.

In an apparent effort to combat any adolescent reluctance, teens who get vaccinated at the Levi’s Stadium mass vaccination site can apparently expect a tour of the San Francisco 49ers locker room, a live DJ, a socially distanced “dance party” and limited quantities of 49ers “swag” and Starbucks and Chipotle gift cards.