On May 18th, Linsly became one of several schools in the Wheeling community where youth aged 12-15 could be vaccinated against COVID-19. According to officials from the Ohio County Health Department, which ran the free clinic, more than 100 people within this age group along with others participated in this first round of Linsly-hosted vaccines.
All participants received the first of two Pfizer vaccines needed to prevent COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the use of Pfizer vaccines earlier in May for ages 12-15. It is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for anyone younger than 16.
Because nearly all of those participating in the free clinic were minors, each was accompanied by a parent or guardian. Students and the adults with them filled out forms the adults needed to sign for consent and socially-distanced on one side of the Stifel Field House’s bleachers until their numbers were called.
After each vaccine, students waited in bleachers on the other side of the gym for 15 minutes. This was to make sure they did not have an extreme reaction, such as anaphylaxis. A doctor was also on site in case there was a problem.
Linsly student Rachel Edinger, then a freshman and this writer’s younger sister, was among those getting the vaccine. She said it was a relief to know that she would now have an extra layer of protection from a virus that has killed more than half a million Americans.
“It is also good to know that once I have the second vaccine, I won’t need to quarantine again if I’m exposed to someone who is sick,” she said. Edinger, like many students at Linsly and other Ohio Valley schools, has faced times of remote schooling due to close contact with an infected classmate.
Edinger said the shot hurt a bit and her arm was sore for a couple of days, but the positives made the mild discomfort feel worth it.
She was glad to see many classmates from Linsly and other friends from Wheeling Park High School were also taking advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated before a summer full of fun could begin.
“We all want to get out and do fun things,” Edinger said. “This way, we can do them and not worry about getting sick or making someone else sick.”
The school-centered clinics took place all over the county. A second round of clinics will take place at the same schools, including Linsly, in early June so that students can get the second shot needed for full protection.
