With reports that the Pfizer vaccine could soon be approved for those 12 years-old and up, medical experts believe getting more young people vaccinated will help us reach herd immunity.

About a hundred students at Boardman high school signed up to get the Pfizer vaccine at a special clinic held at the school Monday for anyone age 16 and over.

For many of them getting the shot gave them a sense of relief that they were not just trying to protect themselves but others as well.

"It's nice knowing there's some extra protection to it other than the mask and that I'm doing the right thing," said Boardman senior, Jake Powell. "I think this will get us to a point where we don't have to wear masks anymore."

Mahoning County Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac says getting more younger people vaccinated is good for everyone since they are the ones who tend to spread COVID because they don't often show the most severe symptoms.

He says the vaccine is safe for them and side effects are minimal.

"You're looking at getting a sore arm, potentially getting some of the flu-like symptoms like headache, nausea but we've been very successful whether they are teens or adults when receiving the Pfizer vaccine that they have very mild symptoms to it," said Tekac.

Medical experts say teens have become isolated and depressed due to covid restrictions so it's hoped more of them can get vaccinated so they can safely get together in group settings.

Clinical trials show the Pfizer vaccine to be 100% effective in 12-15 year olds so it's hoped it can get FDA approval soon.