Pennsylvania officials push parents to get young children vaccinated against COVID-19

Pennsylvania officials are pushing to get more young children vaccinated against COVID-19, particularly with school right around the corner.It takes time for immunity to build, and that’s why some parents brought their kids to a vaccine clinic in the Dauphin County State Health Center in Harrisburg.Two-year-old Malakai McKinney just got his first dose. His mother, Erin, is relieved because Malakai’s sister struggled with COVID-19.”I think it’s worth it not to have to end up in the emergency room or have chronic health problems related to COVID,” she said.The vaccine just became available to Malakai in late June. So far, 3.3% of Pennsylvania children under age 5 have gotten at least one dose.”That uptake has been slower than the other vaccine for kids 5 and older,” acting Health Secretary Dr. Denise Johnson said.Johnson said she’d like to see more children getting their shots.”Some of it may be a convenience factor or kids are not getting ready to go to school yet,” Johnson said.Middle schoolers Andrea and Chloe Imoisili got the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday.”It just felt like a pinch – nothing much,” Andrea Imoisili said.”You’re not too cool to get the vaccine. You really need it. It doesn’t matter what you are or who you are, you need to get the vaccine as soon as possible,” Chloe Imoisili said.