300+ Santa Barbara County kids to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of Christmas

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Christmas came earlier for hundreds of Santa Barbara County families this week. Kids 5 to 11 years old who got their first dose right away of the COVID-19 vaccine are now eligible for their second dose this week.

On Wednesday, Sansum Clinic hosted a vaccination event to get 335 kids their second dose of the vaccine.

Sansum Clinic pediatrician, Dr. Marilyn Mendoza, said this is another step towards herd immunity and the sooner kids 5 to 11 can get immunized the sooner they can go back to school or play dates without the risk of getting or spreading the virus.

Mendoza has some tips for parents whose kids are afraid of needles and shots. She recommends talking to the child before having to get the vaccine and explaining why they're getting it and the importance of it which she says might help calm them down. Also, parents should bring their favorite toy or book to help distract younger kids during the process.

Mendoza said the world has seen the effects of billions of people getting the vaccine. They're safe and effective. She hasn't seen any major side effects from the vaccine. But adds the side effects of getting COVID includes hospitalizations and unknown long-term effects.

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or find a walk-in clinic visit myturn.ca.gov or the Santa Barbara County Public Health website.