Mayor Barrett, Health Commissioner Johnson share details Saturday on vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — Mayor Tom Barrett and Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson joined community leaders Saturday, Nov. 6, to provide an overview of the Milwaukee’s Health Department’s partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools, Seton Catholic Schools and Children’s Wisconsin to vaccinate newly-eligible Milwaukee area children, ages 5-11, at community clinics starting Monday, Nov. 8.
In attendance at Saturday's news conference at Harford University School in Milwaukee was Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson, Dr. Keith Posley, Superintendent, Milwaukee Public Schools, Dr. Smriti Khare, President of Primary Care, Children’s Wisconsin and Melissa Benson, COVID Coordinator, Seton Catholic Schools.
Organizers say there are 12 clinics planned across Milwaukee Public Schools over the coming weeks.
Health officials, school administrators and Mayor Barrett said they're all working together to get as many kids under age-12 vaccinated as possible.
Parental consent will be required in order to vaccinate any child.
According to officials, that age group makes up almost 20% of new COVID-19 cases right now ,and they could spread COVID-19 to family and friends.
Health officials added that they're looking to make it as easy as possible for kids to get vaccinated.
"We really gave a lot of consideration to what settings would be most appropriate and we've consulted with many many experts, we know that kids feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms and in their schools which is why it's so important and we're really excited that we're partnering with MPS to make this happen across the city but also with our private schools," said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson.
Clinics will start at Hartford and then Townsend Schools Monday, Nov. 8, with one to two clinics happening every day through the 23rd for first doses, with second doses starting the 29th.
Speakers at Saturday's event said the effort's goal is immunity by the holidays.