Freeman Pediatricians Unite in Support of COVID-19 Vaccine for Youth

Joplin, Mo – Freeman Health System pediatricians are joining together to call on parents to vaccinate eligible children for COVID-19. Doctors will jointly address the media at noon on July 8 at the Freeman Children’s Clinic, 1030 McIntosh Circle, Suite 1. Currently, anyone age 12 and up is eligible to receive the vaccine.

“The COVID 19 vaccine is the best way we can protect ourselves and our children from the effects of natural COVID-19 infections,” said Dr. Beth Garrett, Freeman pediatrician. “Unfortunately, I have seen the serious effects of COVID in children who have presented with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). We do not know the long-term effects of natural COVID infections on children, and I worry about what that means for cardiovascular health, long-haul syndrome and inflammation. We do know that the vaccine is effective against natural infection and the current variants. The vaccine is how we make it through this pandemic to the other side safely. I practice what I preach. I’m fully vaccinated.”

Freeman is holding a back-to-school COVID-19 vaccine clinic July 13 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Parents can self-schedule their child for a vaccination appointment at freemanhealth.com/service/covid-19. Parents can also call 417.502.SHOT for help scheduling a vaccination appointment. Parents must bring a valid form of ID. If they are a guardian of a foster child or a child of the state, they need to bring the affidavit with them that has been notarized showing consent for us to vaccinate. A grandparent or other responsible adult wants to bring children, they have to bring a notarized paper statement handwritten by the parent/legal guardian giving consent OR the parent can call and two nurses over the phone can get verbal consent to vaccinate just prior to vaccinating the child.

The second dose will be given on August 11, before the first day of school at all surrounding area school districts so that students are fully vaccinated when they return to classes in the fall.

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About Freeman Health System

Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020-2021. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.