This Saturday, November 6, COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 will begin at San Mateo vaccination clinics, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after concluding that it is safe and effective, and after the authorization of the federal process of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Working Group.
The pediatric vaccination clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 13; and from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov. 12. The County plans to schedule additional pediatric vaccination clinics as demand warrants.
Superheroes and a red carpet will greet children this Saturday at the San Mateo County Events Center to help these little ones feel more comfortable receiving their vaccine against the disease that has infected more than 5 million children in the country.
Children ages 5 to 11 who come to the clinic will encounter a variety of colorful, age-appropriate themes, including Legoland, Candy Land, Superheroes and Roblox, Pac-Man, while bright walls and privacy barriers make the space more welcoming. Life-size televisions and chess games, as well as a Connect Four, will also help children feel comfortable while waiting for their vaccine and during the 15-minute observation period.
“Parents and children have been waiting a long time for their turn to get vaccinated and we want to give them a positive experience. Let’s face it, the last year and a half has been tough on all of us, and I would say especially our kids. We are excited to finally protect our kids and our community, so we decided to have a little fun. Plus, these kids are superheroes for doing their part and we want to celebrate them during their visit,” said County Manager Mike Callagy.
The clinic inside the Event Pavilion is for appointments only through MyTurn, and will be available starting this Thursday, November 4.
Those scheduling appointments will need to go to the Event Center at 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. Those driving to appointments will enter and exit through Gate 8 on Saratoga Drive and will be directed to park in a designated area.
A medical provider will be present at the children's clinic to answer parents' questions.
Adults and those 12 and older who also need a first, second or booster shot can also schedule appointments at a drive-thru clinic at the Event Center. Office hours and appointments are available on MyTurn.
Only children aged 5 to 11 can receive vaccines at the pediatric clinic
County leaders and health officials also want the community to remember that there are many options for accessing vaccines.
Pediatric vaccines will also be available through health care providers – Kaiser, Sutter, PAMF, Stanford – and local pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens. Additionally, County Health is partnering with the San Mateo County Office of Education and school districts to support school-based vaccination clinics during the week of November 15.
The County also appreciates the financial partnership for the pediatric clinic with Google, Kaiser and the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA).
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