Back to school – are your children vaccinated?

Published July 29, 2021

Notebooks – check. Pens, pencils, erasers – check. Calculator – check. Vaccination for COVID – check? While you’re getting your kids ready for back to school, don’t forget to help protect them from COVID! Science has proven the vaccines are safe and effective — and while some breakthrough cases are being reported due to the Delta variant, the CDC reports that more than 97% of those being hospitalized are unvaccinated. The best way to keep your 12-years-and-older children safe is to get them vaccinated.

The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is now available at Medical Center Urgentcare 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for everyone 12 and older. You can walk in and request the vaccine – or, you can call or text COVID to 270-796-4400 to schedule an appointment. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Urgentcare is located at 291 New Towne Drive off Lovers Lane in Bowling Green. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine.

Every person who gets vaccinated brings us all a step closer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare providers, we are often trusted by our friends and family to have the best information and to be truthful when it comes to safety. Please, urge your friends, family and neighbors to be vaccinated. If nothing else, do it for the children – for those under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated and those who are older, but might not be able to be vaccinated.

If you would like tips on how to talk to others who might still be hesitant about the vaccine, visit the CDC website for more information and guidance.