NEWS ALERT: Mercer to conduct COVID vaccination clinic for children under 5

Mercer County, New Jersey sent this bulletin at 06/27/2022 03:36 PM EDT

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mercer county new jersey - the capital county - brian m hughes county executive

Mercer schedules COVID vaccination clinic for children ages 6 months to 5 years

june 30 flyer

Thursday, June 30 at CURE Arena

Mercer County’s Division of Public Health will offer COVID-19 vaccines to children 6 months to 5 years at a special vaccination clinic on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, announced Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends vaccinating all children in the age group with one of two separate COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech.

“Parents of very young children have expressed their concern about potentially exposing their unvaccinated baby or toddler to the virus in congregate settings such as daycare centers and social gatherings," Mr. Hughes said. "For parents who have anxiously waited, we are pleased to now be able to offer these FDA-approved vaccines at our county-run clinic.”

Changes have been made to our vaccination site to accommodate young children, infants, parents and guardians to make sure they are comfortable. Young children and their parents are used to getting vaccines at their pediatrician’s office, so the Division of Public Health is striving to make the experience as comfortable as possible by offering to the little ones teddy bears and backpacks, and for creating privacy areas for nursing mothers.

Parents may choose which vaccine they would like. The vaccine made by Moderna for 6-month-olds to 5-year-olds is a two-dose series, given four weeks apart. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 6-month-olds to 4-year-olds is a three-dose series. The first two shots are given three weeks apart, and the third one eight weeks after the second shot.

Enter at Gate A at CURE Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, NJ

What should I expect when I bring my child to their appointment?

  • Anticipate that you will spend at least 30 minutes at the vaccine clinic site.
  • It is not recommended to give pain relievers before vaccination to prevent side effects.
  • Be ready to support your child during the vaccine visit. Pack your child’s favorite toy, book or blanket to comfort him or her during vaccinations.
  • Tell the doctor or nurse about any allergies your child may have.
  • After your child’s vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so your child can be observed in case of severe allergic reaction and immediate treatment.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. 
  • Stay 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines.
  • A COVID-19 fact sheet specific to your vaccine will be available at the clinic, and staff will be available to answer any questions that you may have. 
  • Bring a baby bottle or drinking cup for your child. For breast-feeding moms, privacy screening will be available. 

COVID-19 Information