MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- Now that all Federal approvals are in place, the at the mass vaccination site at SIU’s Banterra Center.
Andrea Odum is thrilled to know the FDA approved a vaccine for kids in her 12-year-old daughter's age group.
One of the main reasons Odun said she wants her daughter to receive the Pfizer vaccine is because she wants her daughter to have a full and healthy life, especially after learning about children across the country being hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms.
"I would like the children definitely vaccinated. I want to hopefully get a stop to this. I don't want my children to get sick," said Odun.
Local health department's, including Egyptian, Jackson County, and say they will offer the vaccine to kids in the 12-to-15 age group.
Angie Hampton from Egyptian Health Dept. said if moms aren't sure about vaccinating their child, the health department offers facts sheets that can help them with the decision.
"We provide education, but for sure when people come in to get the vaccine. We are making sure that they understand all of the benefits as well as the risks at that time. So we encourage anybody whether it's a parent or someone themselves or even a child to educate themselves as much as they can so they can make an informed decision," said Hampton.
Local public health departments recommend contacting them to ensure the vaccine is in-house.
