AdventHealth, The NASCAR Foundation, and ONE DAYTONA sponsor kid-friendly COVID-19 vaccine opportunity.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

AdventHealth, in partnership with The NASCAR Foundation and ONE DAYTONA, is holding a COVID-19 vaccine event for children ages 5-11 on Saturday, December 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside of ONE DAYTONA near Copperline Coffee.

Vaccinations will be given in a kid-friendly environment, easing the fears of those who struggle with being vaccinated. Parents or guardians must accompany children to the event, and appointments are recommended but not necessary. Vaccinations are free, and those with health insurance can provide plan information.

According to a release, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be administered during the event and requires two doses, and those who receive their first vaccine will need to schedule their second vaccine appointment. As part of the vaccine process, those receiving the vaccine must stay on-site for at least 15 minutes to ensure they do not experience any adverse reactions. Most reported side effects are mild and include arm soreness, fatigue, and headache. 

Medical professionals with AdventHealth will be on-site to assist with any reactions. 

“We know there are children who would benefit from a more kid-friendly environment in which to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “There are twenty-eight million children in the age group of 5 to 11, and none of them should die from a vaccine-preventable disease. We’re hoping this event will allow more of these kids to be vaccinated.”

Children will be entertained with arts and crafts activities while waiting for the vaccine provided by ArtHaus. After receiving the vaccine, children will be given a food voucher to one of three restaurants located in ONE DAYTONA: Donnie’s Donuts, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, or Ben & Jerry’s. Children will also receive a discounted offer to attend the Magic of Lights holiday drive-through display at Daytona International Speedway. 

“Providing health and medical resources to children is at the heart of The NASCAR Foundation’s mission,” said Nichole Krieger, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with AdventHealth and ONE DAYTONA to provide this opportunity to families in the Daytona Beach community.”

Parents can visit NASCARfoundation.org/vaccine to schedule an appointment online.