Kids and their parents get COVID shots together at Dorchester clinic

It began with a handhold and ended with a fist bump as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's 6-year-old son Blaise got his first COVID-19 shot, one of the roughly half a million kids ages 5 through 11 now eligible for a vaccine in Massachusetts.

Wu brought her son to the family vaccine clinic that opened Saturday at Dorchester's Prince Hall Grand Lodge, where children and parents can get their shots together. The clinic is run in partnership with the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center.

"We got through it — no tears, no drama, and I'm very, very happy,” Wu said afterward.

Wu said vaccines are critical to protecting families and keeping schools and businesses open, particularly with the winter and holidays approaching.

"When it gets cold and people are going indoors, going to visit loved ones in this holiday time, it's important that we're all vaccinated and all staying safe,” Wu said.

Among those also getting vaccinated at the clinic Saturday was Rachele Gardner and her 5-year-old daughter Bera. Gardner got her booster; Bera, her first dose.

"It makes it a lot easier for her,” Gardner said. “I think for her second shot, my husband will get his booster shot at the same time, so it's less intimidating for her."

The clinic accepts walk-ins and appointments, which can be made through the state’s vaccine finder website.