Children ages 5-11 can get vaccinated at NCH

Many parents (and grandparents) across the nation have been eagerly waiting for the approval of the Pfizer vaccine for their children ages 5-11. Retiring NCH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alan Loren is one of them.

"My grandson, Mason, and granddaughter, Joanna, just became eligible for the vaccine and I have never seen children so excited. Even at their young age, they understand this will help them get their lives back to normal and they could not wait to receive their shot," Loren said.

In a special test event, a handful of children were invited to be vaccinated and celebrated as "little people doing big things." All were brave and excited to get their shot.

"I was the first person vaccinated at NCH, as chief medical officer, because I wanted to show my confidence in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage others to get vaccinated," Dr. Loren said. "This week my grandchildren were first in line now that children can be vaccinated at NCH. It is my hope that this will once again encourage others to get their kids vaccinated so we can finally put an end to this pandemic."

The first brave children were greeted by Animal Assisted Therapy dogs Maggie and Scout, who were more than willing to volunteer to be petted while the children were vaccinated. The children also received personally decorated bandages from the vaccine clinic nurses.

Vaccines for kids ages 5-11 will be offered from 3:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the NCH Vaccine Clinic, 3060 Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights. Appointments can be made through MyChart or by visiting vaccineschedule.nch.org/mychart/covid19#.

For questions, call (847) 618-0242.

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