INDIANAPOLIS — Beginning Thursday, Hoosiers as young as 12 were starting to get coronavirus vaccinations.
Riley Hospital for Children opened their vaccine clinic to kids for first time. Fourteen-year-old Thanh Poertner and his mom, Bobbi Byrne, arrived after school got out.
“As soon as we heard the vaccine was available to 12 and up, we called immediately,” Bobbi said.
Thanh, an eighth grader at St. Richards School, is eager to get back to doing the things he loves.
“It means things can transition back to normal,” he said. “I want people to be safe, to live in a safe environment, and if we all get vaccinated, that increases the chances COVID will go away and we'll all be safe.”
His mom, a Riley neonatologist, is relieved and had no reservations about getting her son vaccinated.
“The MRNA vaccine is safe,” she said. “I really believe in the science behind it, so I have no problems or qualms with the vaccination at all.”
Riley's director of infection prevention said adding adolescents to the list of those eligible is key to stopping the spread of the virus.
“People want to know are we rushing this vaccine. The reality is the research on this vaccine and germ has been going on for 17 years,” said Dr. John C. Christenson.
He's hoping and expecting to see more children joining adults in getting their shots.