Muskogee Health Department Administers COVID-19 Vaccines For Kids 5-11

The Muskogee County Health Department got approval from the ACIP and is now giving COVID-19 vaccines to kids ages 5 to 11.

Kelcie Eaton cried when she learned the CDC expanded its vaccine recommendations to about 28 million children in the US between the ages of 5 to 11 because that means one of her kids qualifies, which she said lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. The recommendation from the CDC came after FDA approval. 

Few 5-year-olds are jumping at the chance to get a shot but leave it to Kelcie Eaton's daughter Jentry to change the narrative.

"Jentry wanted to call every family member and tell them that she got her turn. She's been waiting for her turn. She woke up telling me it was shot day and she was so excited," said Kelcie Eaton, Mom.

Jentry is one of 20 children between the ages of 5 and 11 in Muskogee County to get their Covid shots today.

"She knows that it's a good thing. It's a good thing," said Eaton.

"Because the germs," said Jentry. 

Nurse Joan Lange said the Health Department has an additional 600 doses arriving early next week for Muskogee County alone. Plus, the region consisting of 8 counties also ordered vaccines which Nurse Lange said should be enough for the entire region. 

She said she understands the fear. 

"I want that person to feel comfortable giving that to them. I don't want anybody to feel like they're forced to get it. I want it to be a choice," said Lange.

Lange said she's been very impressed with these children's awareness. 

"The parents have done a great job of educating the children about what to expect and about the covid or the germ as the little girl called it," said Lange. ""That one little girl just made the difference and made my day."

She said the best way to combat Covid-19 is to get the vaccine and the best way to combat fear is to talk to a trusted source. 

"I think if you have that fear, if you would talk to your physician or talk to someone that has the knowledge and the correct knowledge and the correct facts about the vaccine, I think that you would be more understanding and more willing to vaccinate your kid," said Lange.

Jentry said she went with a friend.

"He was kind of scared at first, but I told him it was okay. It's just kind of like a little pinch," said Jentry. 

Eaton's family has been very covid cautious.

"Jentry was a preemie when she was born," said Eaton. "She was 2 pounds, 15 ounces and little, and we were super lucky that she came out of the NICU with flying colors, but obviously a respiratory disease is something that was very concerning for us."

Eaton said maybe now her girls can go to daycare. It also adds a layer of protection for 2-year-old Kenned, who couldn't even walk yet when they first quarantined, and who can't be vaccinated yet.

"For us, the vaccine means togetherness," said Eaton. 

Eaton said they're taking baby steps, but happy days are ahead.

"Playing with friends and having Christmas with our family which we haven't gotten to do," said Eaton. 

"And I'll get to go to OSU football games," said Eaton. 

Vaccines are given at Muskogee County Health Department every weekday.

The MLK Community Center will ​administer the vaccine next Wednesday from 9 to 6. Parents can call the Muskogee Health Department to get their child's name on the list.