Waterbury Public Schools are helping to vaccinate the youngest students against the flu for free.
In Connecticut, the law requires all pre-K aged kids to get the shot before they can go back to class.
“All kids need to get their shots,” said 4-year-old, Mason. “Like me. I got a shot. It wasn’t bad at all.”
The setup is convenient for parents because many pharmacies and Urgent Care centers don’t vaccinate very young children.
“You have children dying, elderly dying, and regular aged people dying from it too,” said Mason’s father, Pedro Conveniencia. “So it’s something that we should all do to take care of stuff make sure everyone in the country safe.”
Flu cases are on the rise. According to the state Department of Public Health, there have been at least 80 confirmed cases of flu so far this season and more than 30 people have been hospitalized. It recommends the flu shot for anyone over the age of 6 months.
“It’s the best thing you can do for your child,” said Lois Mulhern, Waterbury School Nurse Manager. “You get the flu, especially at these young ages, they can get very sick.”
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Mulhern said if a parent objects to the shot, they can get a medical certification from a doctor or religious exemption. Otherwise, all kids must be vaccinated against the flu by the first of the New Year in order to return to school.
