All spots filled at first COVID-19 vaccination clinic for kids

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Ridgetown sisters Avery, Olive and Brooke are happy to have their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, because it means they are a big step closer to going to Florida’s Walt Disney World.

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They were among the roughly 550 Chatham-Kent children who attended a vaccination clinic for ages five to 11 at the Bradley Center in Chatham on Nov. 27.

“I’m pretty excited and I’m proud of them for coming in and being awesome,” said the girls’ mom Cindy Cowell.

She said the family had a trip to Florida planned last year, but had to cancel when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020.

While there’s a good chance their family trip will happen, Cowell also hopes getting her girls vaccinated means they can stay in school for the rest of the year.

The girls had no problems getting their first dose.

“I was kind of scared, but it only felt like the needle touched you, it didn’t feel like it actually went in (your arm),” said nine-year-old Avery.

But going to Disney World isn’t the only reason Avery is glad to get the vaccine.

“We can keep other people safe,” she said.

Seven-year-old Olive feels good about getting the shot, but admits, “I was a little bit nervous.”

She added it hurt a little bit.

Brooke, 9, said the needle only hurt for one second, but added it was worth it.

“I feel awesome,” she said. “I’m super-excited I can go to places.”

Blenheim residents Jess Matthews and her husband Jon Silcox booked their children Leith, 8, and Harris, 5, for the first day of the vaccine clinic, which was organized by Chatham-Kent Public Health.

Matthews said the clinic was “super organized” with several volunteers, including many people dressed in super hero costumes, which was nice for the children.

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Silcox said with the latest COVID-19 variant starting to circulate, the pandemic is not over so the vaccination provides “peace of mind for the safety of our kids.

“Hopefully, if they ever got it, they won’t be as sick.”

Matthews said having even one dose of vaccine “certainly makes us feel better about play dates.

“It’s getting colder, so the outdoor play dates are getting less fun,” she added.

She will also feel more confident about travel, especially with Christmas coming, adding they will be able to visit family “with a little bit more security.”

Leith had no problem getting the shot.

“I really liked it, because it really didn’t hurt afterwards,” she said.

“It hurt a little,” said Harris.

The health unit received high praise for how well its adult vaccination clinics ran.

“It’s a little more challenging with the child audience,” said Jeff Moco, with the health unit’s COVID-19 communications team.

He said vaccinating children takes time, because there’s “a little more clinical skill working with younger people.”

He added there are some distraction aids and other measure in place to help children who are afraid of getting a shot, adding the super hero theme is going over well.

“We’re trying to keep it light and fun,” Moco said.

He said 100 per cent of the 1,100 appointments were booked on Saturday with approximately 50 per cent filled by children and the rest for those receiving booster shots, including residents over 70, Indigenous residents and healthcare workers.

Moco said the health unit needs to provide 7,800 shots for all the kids in the five to 11 age group is Chatham-Kent to get their first dose of the vaccine.

The vaccination clinic at the Bradley Center will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 from 3 pm to 7 pm

Moco said three mobile clinics are scheduled at area schools, running from 3 pm to 8 pm They will take place: