Unit 5 working on vaccination clinics for children ages 5 through 11

Posted on November 4, 2021
Unit 5 district office
The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging parents with questions about the vaccine to contact their pediatrician or family doctor. (WJBC file photo)

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – McLean County’s largest school district is working with a local hospital to offer COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11.

Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle says the district is partnering with Carle BroMenn to offer those vaccines. She spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“Last time I heard we had over 600 people sign up for that,” said Weikle. “I’m still waiting to hear from Carle if they’ll have enough staff to administer that many vaccines. But I think it just goes to show the number of families in our community that are wishing to get their children vaccinated.”

Weikle says vaccines for children are completely voluntary and not mandated by the district.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging parents with questions about the vaccine to contact their pediatrician or family doctor.

Unit 5 is also hosting a booster shot clinic on Friday for district employees who want the extra dose.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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