Hundreds of teens vaccinated at clinic at Wauwatosa City Hall

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In Wisconsin, about 13 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 15 have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the numbers are increasing daily.

On Saturday, May 22, the Wauwatosa Health Department held a vaccine clinic for people 12 and up. The clinic was targeted toward teenagers and their families.

The clinic, the second one held at Wauwatosa City Hall this week, was able to vaccinate around 500 people Saturday. Hundreds of children and their parents came to get the Pfizer vaccine. They say it brings a chance to have a more normal summer

Mary Young brought her 14-year-old son to the clinic Saturday.

"I can't wait to go see some movies with him, just interact with more people and just do some of the things we used to do pre-COVID," she said.

The clinic was by appointment only. Wauwatosa Health Officer Laura Stephens was happy to see the high turnout.

"The clinic trials have proven that (the vaccine) is safe for kids ages 12 and up, so it's perfectly safe to get your kids vaccinated," she said.

Stephens said there might be some mild side effects, but that's the worst of it.

Scott Morgan said getting his 14-year-old son vaccinated means fewer worries and fewer places they'll have to mask up.

"Kai is the last of our family to get the shots. His sister got her last shot yesterday," he said.

Stephens said the families at the clinic are taking the right steps to provide an extra layer of protection for their children...

"Anyone who's unvaccinated is at risk for COVID-19. In school and after school, extracurriculars -- you're in close contact with people if you're not able to physically distance," she said.

Stephens said if there are extra doses, the health department will post about it on social media. She will be gauging the demand to decide whether the department should hold future vaccine clinics for teenagers.