HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Henrico Doctor's Hospital held a superhero-themed vaccine clinic for kids Sunday.
“Be a superhero and get your COVID-19 vaccine,” was the theme as healthcare workers donned costumes and capes while children ages 5 to 11 rolled up their sleeves.
“We really want to promote to the community vaccine support. And doing so with children, it's natural to do it with a super power,” Canaan Stage, Henrico Doctor's Hospital VP of Women's and Children’s Services, said. “So today I traded my suit for my Thor outfit and slightly longer hair, which I apologize is a little messy today.”
Children got to play video games and take part in activities during that waiting period after they received their injection.
Seven-year-old Jamie, was immunized at the clinic, encouraged other kids to get the shot.
“It really doesn't hurt because the pain doesn't feel like anything,” Jamie said. “And it's pretty much all in my mind, which is what my mom keeps telling me.”
The hospital is planning a similar themed vaccine event next month.
Here’s a look at child vaccination rates in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield:
As of Sunday, 41.9% of 5 to 17-year-olds in the state have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
For Virginia's 18+ population, 87.0% had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 76.6% of that 18+ population was considered fully vaccinated, according to the health department.
The U.S. opened COVID-19 vaccine boosters Friday to all adults, and urged them for anyone 50 and older, in hopes simplifying what has been a confusing list of who's eligible.
Now for anyone 18 or older, the only requirement is to be at least six months past their last dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The government is trying to get ahead of rising coronavirus cases that experts fear could snowball into a winter surge with upcoming holiday travel.
Virginians age 5+ are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-registration is no longer required,so go to Vaccine Finderto search for specific vaccines available near you or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-275-8343).
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
People are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
How to Protect Yourself and Others When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions—like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces—in public places until we know more.
These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.
Click here for more information from the Virginia Department of Health.