SVHC Schedules Kids’ COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Pfizer vaccine available for those 5 to 11 years old

BENNINGTON, VT—January 21, 2022—Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) will host a special children’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic for 5 to 11 year olds 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, January 28 at its COVID Resource Center, the gymnasium on the former Southern Vermont College campus at 982 Mansion Drive in Bennington. No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome.

“Vaccination rates for kids in Bennington County are not as high as in other parts of the state, and that puts our kids at a disadvantage,” said Trey Dobson, MD, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s (SVMC) chief medical officer. “Vaccinating our children protects them as well as their older loved ones.”

The clinic will administer first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 5 – 11. A pediatrician will be on site to address questions from parents and children. In addition, pediatric nurses, who are especially skilled at vaccinating children, will also be working at the clinic. The clinic is open to everyone, regardless of where they live. Masks are required.

“The vaccination protects kids from severe illness,” said Meghan Gunn, MD, of SVMC Pediatrics. “When we all get vaccinated, we limit disruptions to school, work, and sports.”

Families who are unable to attend this clinic are encouraged to visit the COVID Resource Center whenever it is open. Check svhealthcare.org/COVID-Resource-Center for the most up-to-date hours.

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It ranked fourth nationwide for the value of care it provides by the Lown Institute Hospital Index. It is a four-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. It has also received the highest marks possible from The Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Leapfrog Group.  

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.