Family friendly event takes the sting out of immunizations on June 3
Look for the dunk tank, bounce house, and teddy bear that will help teach children about the importance of vaccinations when Munson Medical Center presents its Immunization Beach Party, Saturday June 3.
The 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. family event at the Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 106 S. Madison St., also will include face painting, a glow hand washing station, presentation by Norte on bike safety, the Traverse City Police Department’s K9 unit, first aid and hands-only CPR training by Munson Regional EMS Education, games, prizes, and more.
“It remains so important that our children continue to be protected from diseases that still pose a prevalent threat to their health,” said Phyllis Bertram, R.N., manager of the hospital’s Pediatric Specialty Clinic. “We see this beach party as a way to inoculate, educate and provide a fun atmosphere for kids and their families at the same time.”
Young participants will enter the Pediatric Specialty Clinic building and meet the pediatric child-life specialist in the Teddy Bear Clinic where they will be walked through the process of receiving a vaccination using a teddy bear. Children are encouraged to keep the bear as a souvenir. They then will go to the hand glow wash station to learn about hand hygiene, before visiting a pediatric nurse to receive their vaccinations.
After the vaccinations, they are guided outdoors to the tent where the beach party takes place.
All walk-ins are welcome, there is no appointment necessary. Most insurances and Medicaid will be accepted for the vaccinations. No child will be turned away. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Those unable to make the event are reminded that regular Immunization Clinic hours are Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 - 8 p.m.
Additional information on the beach party can be found at munsonhealthcare.org/immunize.