Kids Can be Fully Vaccinated by Christmas if Parents Act Now
The health care professionals at Gillette Children's are urging parents to vaccinate their newly eligible 5 to 11-year-old children as soon as possible to ensure kids are fully vaccinated by the Christmas holiday.
“Minnesota’s case numbers are going in the wrong direction as we enter the holiday season,” said Micah Niermann, MD, medical director and executive vice president of clinical affairs at Gillette Children’s. “We encourage you to take your kids for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is approved for children ages 5-18, in the next few days. That way they can receive a second dose and be fully vaccinated by Christmas.”
“We understand that kids, parents and families are exhausted from the pandemic and are looking forward to participating in more holiday gatherings this year,” he added. “But the rapid spread of the Delta variant means that it is imperative that we get as many Minnesotans vaccinated as possible. Right now, that means vaccinating our young children.”
While it’s important to get all children vaccinated, Gillette Children’s treats patients who have complex medical conditions that put them at greater risk of infection and complications from COVID-19. It is especially important that these children are vaccinated along with their parents and caregivers, Niermann said.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Gillette Children’s recommends continuing to practice what medical experts know works: wear a mask, stay physically distant from other people and avoid close contact with individuals (especially indoors) who you do not live with.
Gillette patients between ages 5 and 11 can get the vaccine at the Gillette Burnsville Clinic or the Gillette Phalen Clinic. Call 651-290-8707 for an appointment.
The State of Minnesota has more information on where to get a vaccine.
About Gillette Children’s
Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gillette Children's cares for patients who have some of the most complex, rare and traumatic conditions in pediatric medicine, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, fibula hemimelia, proximal femoral focal deficiency, and hydrocephalus. Children who have disabilities and complex medical needs—and their families—have been at the center of our mission for nearly 125 years. Learn more about how we’ve built on our long history to set the standard of care for some of the most challenging childhood conditions.