City health department to host pediatric vaccine virtual town hall

ST. LOUIS – The city’s health department is planning a virtual town hall on COVID-19 vaccination of children ages 5-11, so parents and guardians can receive the information they’re looking for about pediatric vaccination. The town hall will be on Monday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m.

The event, titled “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Truth about the Pediatric Vaccine [covid-19-pediatric-vaccine.eventbrite.com]”, is part of the COVID-19 public information series the department has offered throughout the pandemic. Parents and caregivers can learn more about the vaccine, get their questions answered, and share their comments and concerns with the Department of Health.

“We want to make sure parents are provided the most accurate and up-to-date information on the proven safety of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the city, said in a statement.

Mayor Tishaura Jones will provide opening remarks for the event, and Hlatshwayo Davis will serve as the moderator. Dr. Fredrick Echols, health commissioner for the city, will also help answer questions.

“COVID-19 vaccination is safe, effective, and free. I made sure my son got vaccinated to help protect him and our loved ones against COVID-19,” Jones stated. “Our pediatric vaccination program is community-driven, and this is an important opportunity for parents to have their questions answered.”

“This event, like all of our town halls are learning events for the Department of Health,” Echols noted. “This forum will allow the Department of Health to receive firsthand information from residents about their vaccine knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, motivations, as well as actual and potential barriers to receiving the vaccine.”

The event is free, and parents and caregivers can make their reservations online through Eventbrite.