Staff donning colourful wigs, cat ears, rainbow socks and tutus were on hand at Wollongong's mass COVID-19 vaccination centre to welcome five- to 11-year-olds receiving their first shot on Monday.
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It marked the first day children in this age group have had access to the vaccine and parents who brought their children along were glad the time had come.
Simone Taylor was among those parents who jumped at the opportunity, booking her son Jake, 11, in for his jab as soon as bookings opened.
"It's not just for his benefit, but for the benefit of the whole community," Mrs Taylor said.
Jake said he was also happy to have had the shot, which he described as feeling "like a flu needle, but it didn't hurt as much".
Eleven-year-old Ruby Carlson had a few jitters before going in for her shot, but was feeling much happier on the way out.
Her dad, Steve, also got his booster shot while at the centre and said the staff were "awesome".
Ruby said her mum wanted to ensure the family got vaccinated, and everyone wanted to be safe.
That was exactly why Vanessa Vecovski took her daughters Sophie, 10, and Audrey, 8, to get their first doses yesterday.
Children were vaccinated against many other illnesses, she said, so why would they not get a shot for the illness that posed a threat right now.
Ms Vecovski said she was relieved that her children had had their first shot.
Sophie said getting the jab was scary at first and hurt a little bit, but did not hurt afterwards.
Keira MP and NSW opposition health spokesman Ryan Park also took his sons Preston, 11, and Oliver, 7, along to the centre yesterday for their first shots.
He said the last few weeks had been "pretty nerve-wracking" with COVID cases blowing out and two children who had been ineligible for vaccination, and having his boys receive their first shot gave him some relief.
"It's important, we know vaccination works," Mr Park said.
The mass vaccination centre in Wollongong offers vaccinations for children in this age bracket on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, although the earliest appointments now available are in early February.
"We have capacity for around 200 vaccines for children aged five to 11 each day and we've already seen a terrific response from local parents making appointments for their children," Deborah Cameron, from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, said.
Dr Jackie Sloan from Gerringong Medical Practice said research showed the Pfizer vaccine was up to 91 per cent effective in children.
"Parents, carers and guardians can be reassured that by vaccinating their child against COVID-19 they have done everything possible to keep their child safe from this virus," Dr Sloan said.
GPs, other clinics and pharmacies also offer the vaccine to five to 11-year-olds, but some in the Illawarra are still awaiting their delivery of paediatric doses.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
