Adolescents get the Covid-19 shot at the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence

In conjunction with Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence once again served as a Covid-19 vaccination site except this time, it was for adolescents.

Community Center officials said 75 teenagers aged from 12 to 17 received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the center on May 25 through Mount Sinai’s Vaxmobile. The Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use for ages 12 to 15 on May 10.

Sasha Young, the center’s food pantry director and youth services coordinator, said those who received their first dose, they automatically have an appointment set for three weeks later, which is June 15. “A big thank you to Mount Sinai South Nassau for making today’s event possible,” she said. “This helps us in ensuring vaccine access to all in our community.”

Community Center Executive Director K. Brent Hill said that the center is continuing to serve as an ideal spot for a vaccination site. “Everyone is very relieved and very thankful that they don’t have to travel a great distance,” he said. “This spot has been really ideal for people in this community to be able to walk here and get vaccinated.”

The Vaxmobile made its debut in Uniondale on March 31. It is staffed with MSSN clinicians who speak English and Spanish, and who remain on hand in case the vaccinated have any adverse reactions. It has a private exam room, computerized work stations, medical testing, and refrigeration and secure storage areas. The Vaxmobile was first at the Community Center on April 16, providing Pfizer shots for people 16 and older.

Lawrence High School sophomore Angel Bran, 15, was one of the 75 people inoculated at the community center. Bran explained why he decided to get vaccinated. “I got it because things are starting to get back to where they were before the pandemic,” Bran said. “Also, vaccinations will be required to attend sporting events and concerts. It’s smarter to get it as soon as possible to keep everybody safe.”

Young’s daughter, Alexis Acosta said she got vaccinated for multiple reasons which includes her mother. “For starters, I was vaccinated because my mom has an autoimmune disorder,” Acosta said. “Going to school and working in the community I come into contact with many people. I want to make sure that I am doing my part in keeping them safe.”

Longtime Inwood resident Barbara Thompson was proud to witness her grandchildren Julian, 14, and Julia, 13, get their first shots. “Their mother Rhondreal, big brother Jordan and myself have also been vaccinated at the Community Center,” Thompson said. “The Thompson family is proud to be doing our part in keeping family, friends and our community safe from Covid-19.”

For more information on the vaccinations being given by the Vaxmobile at the Five Towns Community Center, email syoung@fivetownsmail.org.