KTA Pharmacy vaccinated more than 600 keiki last week at two East Hawaii clinics.
On Wednesday, the gym at St. Joseph High School was abuzz with activity as nearly 300 children came to get their vaccine shots.
With balloons and other goodies in hand, keiki ages 5 to 11 watched “Moana” during the wait time after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which last month was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for children in that age range.
Hokunani Roback brought three of her children to the gym to be vaccinated while she also received a Pfizer booster shot.
“I feel a lot of relief knowing my kids are protected from the virus,” Roback said. “Especially knowing people who have passed from COVID, there was some anxiety, so it was really important for us to all get vaccinated.”
Each sibling watched as they took turns hesitantly getting the vaccine. A gifted balloon and some candy helped to quickly brighten their spirits after a scary shot.
“They were nervous to get shots, so I appreciate that they made it a little more fun for them,” Roback said. “The kids did good. I’m proud of them.”
Dominic Galzote, 10, was surprised by how quick and painless the vaccination was after he sat down.
“I feel good, and I’m glad it’s over,” Galzote said.
His mother, Marisol Galzote, was excited to have her last child vaccinated for COVID-19.
“He is our last one to get vaccinated, and I’m very happy,” she said. “He has two older brothers, so I think he wanted to join all of us.”
Natalia Bennington, 8, looked through a “Keiki Heroes” coloring book after receiving her first shot. According to her mother, Val Bennington, she had been waiting a long time to get vaccinated.
“She’s been wanting to get it and was very excited that it was finally her turn,” Val Bennington said. “We haven’t been going out to dinner or doing much at all, because we didn’t want to infect her. We’re all excited to get back to doing more now that she has some protection.”
The moment Sierra McDaniel found out that keiki 5 to 11 could be vaccinated, she made an appointment for her son, Aukai McDaniel, and booked a trip to the mainland.
“We didn’t want to travel until he could be vaccinated, and I’m so glad the timing worked out before the holidays,” she said. “My son is more excited to go the movies again.”
Aukai McDaniel 7, was also surprised by how quick and easy the process was and said he felt good after being vaccinated.
“This is such a great event and so well put together,” Sierra McDaniel said. “I can even get the flu shot at the same time.”
On Friday, KTA Pharmacy continued it community vaccination clinics in Hilo with an event at Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium. About 300 people signed up for the keiki-centered event, with more walk-ins who arriving throughout the day.
“I’m excited, but nervous. I don’t want it to hurt,” said Elsa Cabatu-Gennette, 9.
Cabatu-Gennette came with her mother, Hilo Medical Center spokeswoman Elena Cabatu, and decided to get her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine as well as her flu shot.
“I feel safer now, and I’m excited to see more people,” Cabatu-Gennette said after her shots.
“Just being here as her mother, it’s amazing to see other parents and families making this responsible choice,” Cabatu said.
Punahoa Ravey, 9, and his mom, Pomaikai Ravey, traveled from Waimea for the vaccination event.
While he was excited to get the vaccine, it took a minute to gather his courage before getting the shot.
“I was excited to get it, but I got nervous when I sat down,” Ravey said. “I feel better now.”
KTA has another community clinic for keiki from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Waiakea High School gym.
Walk-ins for vaccines also are available at the Butler Building in Hilo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, and at the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday.
The clinics are open for keiki 5 to 11, those needing Pfizer booster shots and flu shots, and first-time vaccinations.
More information and registration can be found at https://www.ktasuperstores.com/pharmacy-covid-19-vaccinations.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
