Pfizer’s COVID-19 shot is now cleared for emergency use in kids ages 12 to 15. On Wednesday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director, accepted the recommendation of an independent advisory panel to administer the vaccine to adolescents.

Both state health agencies in the Carolinas have already passed along the newly released vaccination guidance to vaccine providers, and many are poised to begin serving the new age group Thursday.