Nearly 70 C.O. children receive COVID-19 vaccine at Mosaic Medical on first day

(Update: Adding video, comments from parent, Mosaic Medical)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Young teens are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and some Central Oregon parents are jumping at the chance. 

David Welton's 13-year-old daughter is signed up for the vaccine, and he's happy she can get back to being a kid.

"Happy that she can get back to normal,” Welton said. “Have birthday parties and sleepovers and just normal kid things."

This is possible with the Pfizer vaccine eligibility now including 12- to 15-year-olds nationwide.

On the first day, Mosaic Medical says it vaccinated close to 70 children and has even more signed up. 

Carla Stevens, chief operations officer, said they were surprised at how packed their pop-up clinic was on Thursday. 

"We have had overwhelming interest from parents eager to get their children vaccinated,” Stevens said.

Stevens said Mosaic is offering vaccines to anyone, patient or not. 

"Really to support our community to the 70% vaccination rate, so we can get back to doing all the things we love to do in Central Oregon,” Stevens said.

Welton said his daughter is excited for what opportunities the vaccine can bring back. 

"Getting to see her grandparents -- that hasn't happened for a couple years because of this,” Welton said. "She realizes that this is kind of like a passport to getting back to normal."

Welton mentioned his wife has a doctorate in biochemistry and understands the science behind it. 

He said with her expertise, the public data and their experience after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, this is the right move.

"The study and science indicate that it's good and worked out very well for adults,” Welton said. "I don't have any concerns."

Stevens advises anyone who does have any concerns or questions about the vaccine to come and ask.

"Just come to a clinic,” Stevens said. “Whether you're uncertain about getting the vaccine or you're there for an appointment, we always have a provider on site to talk you through any of your questions that you may have."

Mosaic Medical will have a pop-up clinic on Saturday at Riverbend Park from 9am to 12pm. 

You can also schedule online here, call on the phone, or just walk in.