Pediatric vaccinations available, but little interest
Adult vaccinations “holding steady,” flu shots “on track”
By JAMES C. FALCON
editors@bhgnews.com
A little after one month since pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations were made available, there was no interest at CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison.
Not even one vaccine was administered in the hospital’s Family Medical Clinic, said clinic coordinator Cindy Mehlhoff, LPN.
“I haven’t had any interest in it,” she said.
Mehlhoff said she isn’t sure if people frequented First District Health Unit for their pediatric vaccinations, or if there is no interest, period.
At First District Health Unit’s office in Garrison, six doses of the pediatric vaccine have been administered to youth, said Lori Brierley, director of communications with First District Health Unit. She added that the low number doesn’t include youth in Garrison who have gone elsewhere to get their vaccine.
As of Tuesday morning, a total of 56 McLean County youth have received their vaccination, with a total of 61 doses administered. This suggests that some have received their second shot, Brierley said; for children, the second vaccine can be received 21 days – or three weeks – after their first shot.
These numbers are not indicative of youth who received their vaccine through First District Health Unit; they include all healthcare providers both within and outside of the county, including pediatricians based in Minot or Bismarck.
