By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Sitka High sophomore Anna Prussian started her weekend by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
So did dozens of others at Harrigan Centennial Hall following the FDA’s decision to authorize the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use in adolescents earlier this week.
The SEARHC clinics started Wednesday, with 26 in the 12-15 age group getting shots, and today’s clinic drew an estimated 49, SEARHC spokesman Maegan Bosak said. The next clinic is May 19, also at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
SEARHC has been asking Sitkans in this age group to register on the covid19.searhc.org website, since May 6. Those registering will be contacted via email for an appointment.
(Harry Race Pharmacy is currently holding clinics for Moderna and Johnson and Johnson for those 18 and up, but may expand younger age groups once more Pfizer vaccine is available to the pharmacy, said co-owner Trish White.)
Anna, 15, was accompanied by her mom KK at this morning’s clinic. They and others followed the same protocol that adults getting vaccinated with Pfizer have been following since mid-December. Vaccinations opened to those ages 16 and 17 in mid-March; parental consent is needed for those under 18.
Anna is only two months from the previous eligibility age of 16, but was happy to get vaccinated earlier than expected. She said it was an easy decision for her.
“I knew I was going to get it,” Anna said. When asked what she was most looking forward to, Anna said, “I think it will be a lot easier to travel, knowing that I’m vaccinated.”
Jacob Swanson, 13, sits with his dad, Aaron, and holds up his vaccination card after receiving a COVID-19 shot this morning at Harrigan Centennial Hall. SEARHC was vaccinating Sitkans ages 12-15 today. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent. (Sentinel Photo)
Jacob Swanson, 13, who was at the clinic today with dad Aaron, said it’s been more than a year since he has seen his grandparents in the Philippines, and he’s looking forward to an opportunity to visit them again.
Aaron said he let his son make the decision on getting vaccinated.
David Davis. 16, was accompanied by his mom Emily at today’s clinic. David is on the Sitka High track team, competing in sprints, relays and hurdle events. Emily said she talked to her son, and left it up to him.
“It was kind of a decision,” he said.
“I own a business, and I feel it’s important,” Emily said, adding. “We travel a lot, he plays sports ... It’s just good that he gets it done so we stay safe.”
Thor Christianson accompanied his 14-year-old daughter Rita to the clinic.
“We decided pretty readily that as soon as it was coming out we were going to get it,” Rita said. “It would make things a lot easier.”
She said during the pandemic, “I haven’t been able to be around my friends a lot. I can’t really do partnering things anymore (in Silks), can’t see a lot of people, can’t be around a lot of people, I had to stay in one classroom the entire day - basically a lot of things.”
Thor said he looks forward to the two weeks following his daughter’s second shot (when the vaccine reaches full efficacy).
“The level of worry goes way down,” he said. “I’ll know that the chances of her getting COVID drop to almost nothing. I’ll be happy to see Rita being able to hang out with her friends and things. Very happy to be part of the solution.”
