Photos: East Bay kids 5-11 get the COVID-19 shot

The Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) kicked off its first in a series of mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 at Nystrom Elementary Auditorium in Richmond.

Some children were excited to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday afternoon, while others still had tears and fear of the quick shot in the arm. But for Venus Basaee, 6, who didn’t cry, getting the shot was a positive event. Venus said she doesn’t want to get COVID-19 and is ready to tell their friends to get vaccinated.

“This is my first one to do, and then, my second and third, and then I might get the fourth and fifth, I’m not sure. The covid might get stronger,” she added.

While some kids are terrified by needles, Meybelin Martinez, 10, remained calmed just like Venus. “It didn’t hurt, it was like a mosquito bite,” Meybelin said.

CCHS and its partners — John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, La Clinica and Lifelong Medical — sent mobile vaccine clinics to schools across the county on Tuesday.

“They can do up to 150 vaccinations a day,” says CCHS spokesperson Will Harper.

The Pfizer’s vaccine for kids is one third of the dose given to adults and teens and smaller needles are used for younger kids who need to get their second shot at least three weeks apart for the maximum protection against COVID-19.

The flu shot was also available for kids, teens and adults during the school-based vaccine clinic.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine for children, visit www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/vaccine-for-kids.