Teens get their Covid-19 vaccines on Long Island – liherald

This month, Governor Cuomo issued legislation allowing for twelve- to fourteen-year-olds to be eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccinations.On Thursday, May 13, a vaccination site was set up at Nassau Community College with Northwell Health employees specially catering to this younger population.

Its important for teens and middle schoolers to get vaccinated because it will help them finish off the school semester strong and do summer camps and jobs, said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a resident of Baldwin herself. She also stated that the health commissioner had reassured the County that the vaccines are safe and effective.

In order to receive the vaccine, children of eligible age need parental consent.

Of the many parents in attendance, was West Hempstead resident and Hofstra Professor Bret Bennington, who had already been vaccinated months ago. He said he had no adverse reactions, so he wasnt worried for his teen daughters, ages 13 and 16, who were the last members of his family to get the shot.

I have no fears because I am pro-science and pro-vaccine, Bennington said. As a teacher, I also look forward to more of my students and fellow staff members getting vaccinated and having the students back in the classroom soon.

Another West Hempstead resident, Danaan OConnor, 16, who attends Sacred Heart Academy School, said, This has been such a hard time for me because its my Junior year of high school and I have a lot of anxiety about whether or not I will be able to have a prom and field trips next year when Im a Senior.

OConnor said she is slightly nervous about whether or not she will have any reactions after receiving the vaccine, which she admitted was painless. She said all her friends had minor adverse reactions but they felt better within a few days.

Also represented at the vaccination site were members of the Nassau County Youth Council, a group of teens who had worked on various volunteer Covid-19 initiatives, including educating and encouraging residents to get vaccinated.

Plainview resident and NCY member Aidan David, 16, said about teen vaccinations, Its important, so things will go back to normal quicker. I am part of the solution to the pandemic, he added. And Im excited to have been vaccinated because I can work at a camp this summer with kids.

Freeport resident and NCY member Myles Hollingsworth, 16, who is also the President of NAACP Freeport-Roosevelt Youth Group, said, Im here today as an advocate of the vaccine. Getting my vaccine was safe and effortless, and there are many other young Black, Brown and Latino people getting the vaccine.

In response to those who remain skeptical of these immunization efforts, Hollingsworth stated, I would never want to coerce someone into getting the Covid-19 vaccine, but taking an educational approach with people is the better way.Echoing other teens sentiments, he said, Now that Ive been vaccinated and more people everywhere are becoming eligible for vaccines, I look forward to the summer and hanging out with friends.

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Teens get their Covid-19 vaccines on Long Island - liherald