Lillian Price Photos
Sixth-grader Samantha Braren getting her Covid-19 vaccine.
This story was submitted by Elm City Montessori seventh-graders Lillian Price & Winter Szarabajka.
Elm City Montessori School (ECMS) Friday hosted one of the first Covid-19 vaccine clinics for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Many families with young children showed up from around New Haven, particularly Westville, hoping to receive their first dose of the vaccine.
“I think it’s a great offering to families at Elm City Montessori and also to the broader community,” said Mira Debs, a member of the school’s board.
Getting this vaccine will open more opportunities for families, such as traveling, hanging out with friends more, missing fewer days of school, and possibly getting your nails done.
Zora, who is 5 years old, was shy when her turn came. Her mom said that they would love to play at more places after she gets vaccinated.
The vaccines are a safe and effective way of preventing Covid-19 disease, especially severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Vaccines also reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes Covid-19.
Because ECMS is one of the first schools in New Haven to promote the kids’ vaccine, we can spread the word and encourage other families to get vaccinated, and other schools might feel more motivated to host their own clinic.
As ECMS magnet resource teacher David Weinreb, the organizer of this event put it, “It’s not just a personal health choice; it’s a public health one. ECMS will continue to offer grace, understanding, and patience as each family figures out their plan; we will continue to provide our children and their families with a clear message that vaccines are safe, effective, and best for our school community.”
ECMS was first invited by the New Haven Health Department to hold the clinic. The department safely provides the vaccine for kids ages 5 – 11 by giving them the smaller dosage, approved by Pfizer, and using smaller needles.
Though some kids were nervous, most present were excited to receive the vaccine, so they could feel safe.
“I just feel like I’ll just be safer in general,” said sixth-grade student Haviland Hawthorne.
Families and students inside and outside the school community were notified of the event by teachers, friends, and the school’s faculty and staff. Parents spread the word by corresponding with each other, and in the end, over 150 children were vaccinated.
Every day families entrust schools to keep their children safe, and to help them learn and grow. This children’s Covid-19 vaccine clinic is just the beginning. We are asking families to seriously consider how they can take action and protect their children’s health, and the community they are involved in.
