D.C.'s biggest vaccine roadblock is misinformation

D.C.'s biggest challenge in ensuring an equitable COVID-19 vaccination program with kids now eligible is not access but rather combating misinformation and hesitancy, according to DC Health director LaQuandra Nesbitt.

What she's saying: "It is becoming dangerous and reckless to continue to withhold [vaccines] from our kids," she said yesterday at a hearing.

• The district has enough vaccines, she added, but people have to want to get vaccinated — for themselves and their kids.
• She urged parents to talk with a qualified health professional instead of getting answers on social media.
• We asked doctors at Children’s National Hospital to answer some common pediatric vaccine questions and you can check out their vaccine FAQs here.

What's next: Several pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics are planned over the weekend as D.C. aims to get 46,000 newly eligible kids vaccinated.

• Nesbitt said at an event this week that the program has been structured to meet the needs of families.
• The city has launched weekend and after-school clinics in every ward, keeping in mind that the largest populations of eligible kids are in Wards 4, 7, and 8, she added.

How to get the shot: D.C. is hosting two walk-up pediatric vaccine clinics on Friday.

• Families can head to Takoma Community Center or Ft. Stanton Recreation Center from 3:30pm-7:30pm.
• More pediatric vaccine sites are mapped here.