Here’s what Willow, age 12, had to say about getting vaccinated against COVID-19…

What did you think when you found out you could get vaccinated?
I was excited to be able to get the vaccine. I’ll get to start hanging out with my friends and I’m looking forward to visiting my grandparents and getting to stay at their house again. I feel like we’ll all be protected.

Were you nervous?
I was nervous because I don’t do well with shots. My nurse was really nice and she was really helpful. I actually didn’t even feel it!

What would you tell your friends?
Don’t worry too hard about it! I had my ear buds and I thought I was going to listen to music to distract me—but it was fast and it didn’t hurt. I didn’t even really feel it!

And here’s what Willow’s big brother, Nico, age 15 said…

What are you looking forward to when you’re fully vaccinated?
Getting to go out and do more things with my friends. We’ve hung out outside and had a lot of bonfires. I’m getting the vaccine because it’s important to me to get back to some semblance of normalcy again. It will be nice to be able to have some guys over for a boys’ night and not have to stay outside the entire time.

Was the shot painful?
Not at all. I barely felt it!

Willow and Nico’s parents, Trish and Paul, brought their kids in to get vaccinated at their first opportunity. Trish described the atmosphere at Winona Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic the first day kids ages 12 through 15 were eligible for the vaccine as, “a really light-hearted atmosphere–the upbeat vibe in the room was really helpful.”

All are happy and looking forward to summer even more, now that the whole family is on their way to being fully vaccinated!

If you have questions about getting your child protected against COVID-19, Pediatrician and Vice Chief of our Medical Staff (and mom) Dr. Sarah Lallaman, offers answers.