APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Efforts continue to vaccinate even more Wisconsinites. Especially the youngest ones before heading back to school. Several Fox Valley organizations came together to host a family-friendly vaccine clinic.
In less than two months, students will be returning to school, and some parents like the Yangs believe vaccinating their children will ease the feeling of returning.
“That’s why we brought our children so they won’t be too worried when they go back to school.”
The Appleton Area School District hosted this clinic at Wilson Middle School. While the vaccine will not be required for Appleton students, Associate principal of Wilson Middle School, Deb Moreland, tells FOX 11 she hopes families choose to do so for their children.
“The more we can get vaccinated the better, but it is definitely their choice.”
The District and its community partners’ overall goal is to break down the barriers of getting the vaccine for those who want it. Wisconsin Department of Health Services data shows that 28 % of kids 12 to 15 years old have received at least one dose. While 37% of kids ages 16 to 17 have been vaccinated.
“It’s not something we are saying they have to do, we just want to take down any barriers that anybody that wants to get vaccinated can get it,” said Moreland.
The reason for hosting the clinic at Wilson Middle School is because its one of the most diverse schools in the Appleton Area School District.
“This is just an example of getting into the community where people feel comfortable and providing those health care services,” said Joe Vanevenhoven, the market director of operational excellence with Ascension.
Vanevenhoven tells FOX 11 now is the perfect time for any students looking to get vaccinated to go in order to be ready for the start of the school year.
“You’ve gotta get, Pfizer has to be 30 days apart from each other so Labor Day when kids get back to school they’re back and ready to go.”
Families who were vaccinated will return on August 1st for the second Pfizer dose.
