Johnston ready to host vaccine clinic for kids 12-15

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE)- The FDA has approved Pfizer’s request to allow their COVID-19 vaccine to be given to kids ages 12 to 15.

While approval is still needed by the CDC before shots are given to 12-15-year-olds, the town of Johnston already has a plan in place.

The town plans to vaccinate 12-15-year-olds for their first at the Johnston Indoor Recreation Center on May 20 from 3-7. Registration will be online and robocalls will be made by the town to family’s homes.

Mayor Joseph Polisena said parental consent is required and kids are encouraged to have an adult with them when they get their shot.

” I think it’s a good time, parents are working whether it be at home or at work. So I think that 3-7 is a good time that way it can accommodate all the parents who want to help get their children vaccinated,” Polisena said.

He added the rec center has more than enough room to vaccinate all of the town’s 12-15-year-olds in one day.

“We have the ability to vaccinate about 140 kids per hour. If there’s still a line at 7, we’ll stay open till we vaccinate as many kids as possible.”

The town has roughly 600 12-15-year-olds who can now sign up.

Those who choose to get vaccinated will automatically be registered for their second dose at the rec center on June 10th.

However, there has been growing hesitancy among younger groups.

ABC6 spoke with 12-year old Barrington resident James Schuller who is also a type 1 diabetic.

He said he plans to speak with his doctor before he signs up for a vaccine.

“I think the majority of people I know will be getting the vaccine. I think I will be in the same boat if I get the ok.”

While the vaccine could be scary for younger groups, James said it’s worth it in the long run.

“I don’t know how my body will feel because different people have different reactions to the vaccine but mentally I’ll feel excited and more prepared in going forward with the pandemic.”

13-year-old Gianni Digioia said he hopes to be a trendsetter once he gets his shot.

“Especially at this age, it’s so easy to start trends now and stuff. One kid does it, maybe the popular kid does and people see he’s fine they may say ok I’ll take the vaccine now. They’ll be less worried about the side effects and more excited about what mass immunity will bring.”

According to the FDA, approval of the vaccine for kids 12 and under could come during the second half of this year.