from COVID-19, regardless of their age — and also tend to be vaccinated at lower rates.
They also offer some positive draws. Kids get their choice of toys that can occupy their hands, “everything from fidget spinners to squeeze balls, things that light up,” said Lauer, who also directs UMass’ Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research. Recent clinics at the Museum of Science in Boston and the Ecotarium in Worcester came with free admission for anyone vaccinated.
Vaccine administrators also often try to hide the injection from the patient's view, and sometimes solicit help from a caretaker or relative to keep kids distracted.