The Hamilton County Health Department on Wednesday began vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 at the COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville.
Pediatric vaccine supplies will be limited initially as shipments arrive on a staggered basis, so parents are asked to make an appointment at ourshot.in.gov or call ahead at 2-1-1 to ensure the site has vaccines available.
LeMaster
“We are doing what we can to make this vaccination as pain-free for kids and their parents as possible,” said Jason LeMaster, administrator for the Hamilton County Health Department. “We have cordoned off individual areas for children and brought in nurses with pediatric experience. The doses will also be delivered through smaller needles and suckers will be handed out to kids after their vaccine.”
The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine that is currently authorized for use in individuals under age 18. A parent or guardian must provide consent, and children under 16 must be accompanied to the vaccination appointment by an adult. The vaccine is a two-dose regimen that must be delivered 21 days apart.
“We recognize that vaccinating your child is a personal choice,” LeMaster added. “Only you know your child’s medical history. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Hamilton County Department or your child’s pediatrician.”
The health department’s phone number is (317) 776-8500.