“Today Is Our Very First Pediatric Vaccine Clinic"

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

November 16, 2021

Families gathered at the Hospital of Central Connecticut New Britain Campus to take part in a round of Hartford Healthcare’s first set of Pfizer vaccinations for youth ages five through 11.

“Today is our very first pediatric vaccine clinic, administering the Pfizer dose at pediatric dose of .2 (milliliters), which is a third of the adult dose,” said Central Region Director of Pharmacy David Girouard. “We gave about 200 (patients) scheduled for today. They’ll have their first dose and (December 4) would be their second dose of Pfizer.”

Three vaccinating nurses were at the clinic along with health system pharmacists to draw up and label doses for the nurses to administer. The director said the vaccine had been heavily tested to be safe and effective with minor side effects such as soreness at the injection site, redness, minor swelling and fatigue.

“No major side effects have been identified to date through either clinical trials or the administration of what I think is over a million doses to that age group at this point,” he continued. “It’s important (for children to be vaccinated) because children can get covid. It’s much less prevalent than in the adult population but nonetheless they can still get it and be hospitalized. But, in addition, they could get it and pass it along to others. It’s important for their safety and perhaps that of a grandmother.”

The director said that breakthrough cases most often happen in individuals that have multiple medical issues.

“With any drug, there’s a risk versus benefit scenario, even if you’re taking an aspirin,” said Girouard. “The risk here is very low and no major side effects are noticed in this age group and they continue to monitor it closely. There’s mandatory reporting of any kind of more severe reactions into a national database and that’s being tracked by the minute.”

Treats and refreshments were available for families receiving the vaccine as well as children’s programs being played visually at the function. The New Britain Bees Sting mascot was also available to visit with children.

Rebekah and Alberto Dilernia’s three children, Oliver, Julian and Gabriel all received their first dose of the vaccine. Oliver said he was a bit anxious to get the vaccine at first but it wasn’t that bad once it was over.

“We’re excited and we just want to get life back to normal. Please do it,” said Alberto to families thinking about getting the vaccine.

Father Todd Jones said he felt the clinic was organized well and moving quickly.

“I’m really excited that through science and technology we can get kids vaccinated and get back to some normalcy in life,” said Todd Jones. His two daughters Molly and Emma also received the vaccine.

“Seeing this happen on a Saturday, it’s just awesome,” he continued. “We’re looking forward to not wearing masks.”