Last week, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine was approved for children ages 5 through 11. Shortly after that, the Westmont Hilltop School District announced its plans to host a vaccine clinic with Highlands Health, in collaboration with the Cambria-Somerset Covid Task Force, on Monday, November 8. The clinic was open to Westmont and Ferndale school district families. The clinic was for children ages 5 through 11.

The well-organized clinic ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and students had staggered vaccine times based on their grade level. To make the children feel more comfortable while receiving the vaccine, individual classrooms were used for privacy. For any child who was a little bit nervous about the visit, a therapy dog was there to keep them company.

After receiving the vaccine, the children walked to the cafeteria to be monitored for 15 minutes. Coloring pages and crayons were provided so the children could pass the time quickly and have something to take home with them. They also received a fidget spinner.

Over 100 vaccines were given out. A vaccine clinic for faculty and staff will be held at Westmont School District on Friday, Nov. 12.