PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The push is on to get Philadelphia teenagers vaccinated for COVID-19 before the start of the next school year. That push includes teen-friendly events at vaccine clinics.
Teen Week kicked off at the Edward O’Malley Athletic Association with Sports Day, featuring outdoor games and an appearance from Gritty.
Jim Conway brought his son Chase, 13, for his first shot of Pfizer vaccine, so he’ll be set to start high school in person in September.
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"It makes the kids feel at ease. It’s more a welcoming feeling when they come here. They get a t-shirt and they can go out afterward and do some things to take their mind off the shot," said Conway.
Chase said he had other concerns as well.
"So I can be around my family that's older than me, that's at high risk of dying from it," he said.
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The shot was just approved for 12-to-15-year-olds this week. Though teenagers are less likely to get serious infections, health officials say the more people who are vaccinated, the safer everyone is.
Next Tuesday’s clinic at University of the Sciences has a prom theme. Thursday's event at Simon Gratz has a pep rally theme.