LVHN Mobile Vaccine Unit Visits 5-11-Year-Olds in Schuylkill County

What started with some tears ended with mostly giggles when Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) Mobile Vaccine Unit made a recent visit to Pottsville. The objective was to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5-11. 

Approximately 45 children, accompanied by parents and guardians, turned out for the event. “I feel really good about this,” says Elyse, Schuylkill Haven, who brought her 9-year-old son Grayson for the vaccine. “This is our opportunity to do our part to help end the coronavirus. We are hoping our youngest, who is 6 months old, can get vaccinated in 2022.” 

While waiting during the post-vaccination observation period, a cheery Grayson adds that it didn’t hurt and said he was expecting it to be worse. “It wasn’t so bad. I think the flu shot was worse,” he says.

“It is encouraging that we have seen a growing number of school-age children attending our regular vaccine clinics, too,” says Michelle Turnitza, RN.

Nadine of Minersville brought her two children, Anna, 7, and Alan, 9, for their first dose.  “Our family has been hit pretty hard this past year. This was a big decision, and we just want to keep their grandparents and anyone else safe,” Nadine says. 

“Parents have been advocating for themselves and now their children,” notes Michelle Turnitza, RN, a local school nurse who also works per diem at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill and volunteers at the hospital’s vaccine clinics. “It is encouraging that we have seen a growing number of school-age children attending our regular vaccine clinics, too. We try to make it a soothing, comfortable environment where the children feel comfortable and safe. So far, so good.”

LVH–Schuylkill created a more kid-friendly area adjacent to the regular clinic where children can select from assorted LVHN goodies such as bright-colored bendies, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Lego squeezy toys, crayons and coloring sheets and assorted stickers. 

LVHN offered the special COVID-19 vaccination clinic to Schuylkill area schools. The Pfizer vaccine was administered. Those vaccinated will return in late December for their second dose of the vaccine.

Additionally, LVH–Schuylkill offers COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8 a.m.-noon, by appointment.

To schedule an appointment, call 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD) or go to

LVHN.org/vaccines

You also can log in to the MyLVHN patient portal.