Clackamas County Government: Families Fill First Vaccine Clinic For Kids Age 5 To 11

Press release from the Clackamas County Government:

11/15/2021

All 100 vaccine appointments filled fast with eager parents ready to get their kids back to group sports, riding the bus and other activities they’ve worried about since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Public Health Director Philip Mason-Joyner said the benefit of vaccinating young children not only “protects kids from COVID, it also reduces the spread to more vulnerable household members.” One of the other major benefits is that kids who have been vaccinated don’t need to quarantine. “This is a great step because it keeps kids in school," he said.

County staff spent hours dusting, mopping and steam-cleaning the carpet to make the location, a former clothing store inside Clackamas Town Center, ready for the youngest vaccine recipients. A bank of fitting rooms not only made getting the shot private and socially distant, it also meant kids didn’t have to witness other kids get their vaccines. When it came to keeping the potentially nervous young people occupied, they provided a waiting area with crayons and color books in English and Spanish, Star Wars stickers, backpacks and lots of encouragement.

Demand for the vaccine is high, and county staff encourage parents and guardians to be patient as they work to bring vaccine clinics to all school districts in the county. While there will be many more opportunities as vaccine supply and staffing allow, parents and guardians are encouraged to seek out appointments at their health clinics and pharmacies first.

Getting an appointment

CMap

Contact the County

Report a Hazard

Civil Rights, Equity, and Workforce Character

Employee Directory

Commissioner Mark Shull

Sheriff Angela Brandenburg

Treasurer Brian Nava

This press release was produced by the Clackamas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.