Hartford HealthCare welcomed families with kids ages five to 11 to get their Covid-19 vaccine.
From balloons, health care workers in costume, to a visit from a Hartford staple, it was a day filled with color and whimsy intentionally-designed to put the young minds at ease.
“I’m feeling good because I just got vaccinated,” said 8-year-old Joshua Clemons.
But the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on families, especially his parents.
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“It’s a tremendous and really great feeling for us as a family because our whole family is vaccinated,” said Cedrick Clemons.
This is one of six sites that over the course of this and next weekend will be hosting clinics. That also includes locations in New Britain, Torrington, Wethersfield, Norwich, Bridgeport and Hartford, all with the goal to make the vaccine more accessible.
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Christine and husband Brandon Hall say getting their son Wesley vaccinated will make the holidays just a bit brighter.
“It’s returning to a place where things feel a little bit more normal and a little safer and more comfortable for all of us and it’s been a welcome adjustment,” said Brandon.
The state Department of Health said nearly 10,000 kids in Connecticut have gotten at least their first dose of the vaccine and they believe that number will climb.
The Hartford HealthCare system has a goal to vaccinate between 2,000 and 2,200 kid Saturday.
Eric Arlia, senior director of pharmacy for Hartford HealthCare, was thrilled with the turnout and has this message for anyone still considering whether or not to roll up their sleeves:
“It’s a very safe vaccine and it’s also very effective. Vaccines that are more than 90% effective are the best we have. Most vaccines are not that effective,” said Arlia.
The clinics were open until 4 p.m.
