NCH provides vaccines for kids aged 5-11

Many parents and grandparents across the nation have been eagerly waiting for the approval of the Pfizer vaccine youngsters ages 5 to 11. Retiring NCH Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Alan Loren, M.D., PhD, is one of them.

“My grandson Mason and granddaughter Joanna, just became eligible for the vaccine, and I’ve never seen children so excited. Even at their young age, they understand this will help them get their lives back to normal, and they couldn’t wait to receive their shot.”

The first group of children were vaccinated and celebrated the fact that while kids are little, they can do “big things.” All were brave and excited to get their shot.

According to Dr. Loren, “I was the first person vaccinated at NCH, as Chief Medical Officer, because I wanted to show my confidence in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage others to get vaccinated. This week, my grandchildren were first in line now that children can be vaccinated at NCH. It’s my hope that this will once again encourage others to get their kids vaccinated so we can finally put an end to this pandemic.”

The first brave children were greeted by animal-assisted therapy dogs Maggie and Scout—who were more than willing to volunteer to be petted while the children were vaccinated. The children also received personally decorated bandages from the Vaccine Clinic nurses.

Vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds will be offered Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the NCH Vaccine Clinic at 3060 Salt Creek Lane. Parents must be present with the child. Appointments can be made through MyChart or by visiting NCH’s vaccine scheduling webpage. You also can direct questions to the Vaccine Hotline at 847-618-0242.