JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval students 12 and older rolled up their sleeves and got their first dose of the Pfizer shot on Saturday.
With the CDC signing off on kids 12 and up to get the Pfizer shot on Wednesday, Duval Schools wasted no time helping its students get access to the vaccine.
Starting at 9 a.m., Duval County Schools started hosting a clinic at Sandalwood High School in Arlington. Shots were also given at the Mt. Bethel vaccine site.
The kids News4Jax spoke with say it felt like any other shot. And they were happy to get it with parents by their side.
12-year-old Jessy told News4Jax he was happy to get the shot.
“It was just like any normal shot, just a little pinch. Doesn’t hurt too bad,” Jessy said. “I think it means like some protection against the virus. You’re not exactly immune just more protected.”
Nurses say parents at the Mt. Bethel Vaccine site Saturday didn’t ask many questions.
“At this time that is not a question that’s come up from parents. I think they are very eager and excited to get their children in and safely vaccinated by our nurses employed through health hero so that we can return to a sense of normalcy,” said Jennifer Castellazzi, head nurse at Health Hero of Florida.
At the Sandalwood site, students under the age of 18 had to come with a parent or guardian to the vaccination site to give consent. Students cannot get the shot if their parent or guardian is not present.
Close to 500 people signed up, mostly between 12-16 years old.
The clinic is in partnership between the Florida Department of Health-Duval, Health Hero, and Duval County Public Schools.
It began at 9 a.m. and ran until 5 p.m. Saturday.
UPDATE - The May 15 vaccine clinic for DCPS students is now open to students age 12 and older. The clinic will be held at Sandalwood High School where participating students will receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
— DCPS (@DuvalSchools) May 13, 2021
More info: https://t.co/Kb81Sc8gA1
Students who get their first Pfizer dose today will be able to return to the school on June 5th for their second dose.
Other vaccine sites available include:
- Gateway Mall: 5200 Norwood Ave. Operates seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment necessary
- Regency Square Mall: 9501 Arlington Expy. Operates seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment necessary
- UF Health Jacksonville: 655 West 8th Street. Friday, May 2, 9 a.m.-noon; Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m.-noon. No appointment necessary. However, if you would like to schedule an appointment call 904-383-1049.
- Most pharmacies, including CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie stories.