COVID-19 vaccine clinic for kids in Kingston administers hundreds of doses
As COVID-19 cases rise in the Kingston-area, a drive-through clinic helped to vaccinate hundreds of the youngest eligible for the shot in the region Saturday.
Those like 8-year-old Daniel Johnson and his 11-year-old sister Emily.
Pushing through his nerves, he says it was well worth it.
"It’s Okay. It’s quick. It just takes a second and then it’s done," he says after getting the dose.
The clinic, run by local doctors and partnered with Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health, administered more than 600 doses over the course of four hours.
Lily Fraser-Evan's, 8, sits on her mom's lap while she receives the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a drive-thru clinic in Kingston, Ont. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)
The drive-thru system has been used a few times to get COVID-19 doses out into the region during the pandemic. This time, with volunteers wearing Santa hats and elf ears, to make the process a little more comfortable for the youngest.
For Emily Johnson, the best part of a drive-thru clinic is the safe, familiar space.
"It worked pretty good because I got to sit down in the car and I got to hold on to my coat and everything in the car I got to feel around and stuff," she says.
The clinic comes as cases are climbing in the region.
On Friday, KFL&A Public Health announced a new high case count for the region at 310 active cases. Officials have warned many cases can be traced to small indoor gatherings.
In the last week, in an effort to curb the spread ahead of the holidays, they have even put a cap on the number of people who can get together at private indoor events at 10 people.
Parents like Hom Nath Gharti, getting his 11-year-old son Neven vaccinated, say the rising case counts is on his mind.
"Especially with the variant Omicron, I was concerned. Although I’m not panicked," he says. "That was also the reason I wanted to get him vaccinated as soon as possible."
Lorilain Gamalinda got her two daughters vaccinated on Saturday. She said with having received both doses herself, she feels it's important.
"It’s the extra protection they get regardless," she explains.
As the nerves wash away for Daniel Johnson with that first dose, he says he’s proud to have done his part.
"I can tell my friends I got vaccinated," he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.