LEXINGTON, Ky. — Schools across the state are kicking off vaccination clinics for children ages 5-11. Fayette County Public Schools is among those districts that began putting shots in arms on Wednesday.

“I had my flu shot right here,” said Mia Spires, pointing to her left arm.

She turned 9 a day before coming with her family to William Wells Brown Elementary School to get her COVID-19 vaccine.

“I think it’s like a hurtful birthday party but it’s good,” Mia said.

She gave a thumbs up before a nurse gives her a shot.

“I’m really happy about the vaccine and now I’m vaccinated and I’m ready for my second shot,” Mia said.

Three other children in the Spires family also received the Pfizer doses, all taking turns to give each sibling support.

“I’m excited, nervous and I don’t know what I’m going to do after this. Probably go into a grocery store and say ‘Hey I got the vaccine’,” said Raylee, 11, expressing her nervousness and excitement to receive her shot in the arm.

Lauryn and Onix, both 7, also received their shots.

A nurse cleans the area on Onix Spires's arm before he received his COVID-19 vaccine. (Spectrum News 1/Khyati Patel)

The siblings one-by-one held hands and shared words of encouragement.

Their mother, Stephanie, said her children are excited for the shots compared other shots where there might some tears.

“I think they're over the quarantines and I know they’re over wearing masks and they've kind of said you know, more friends get our shots sooner, sooner maybe we can get our mask off. So they've just been telling all their friends and really kind of bragging about it and they were just really excited to be here today,” Shires said.

She’s also a school board member with the district and said there’s also another reason to get vaccinated for their family.

“In our family, we have a newborn that was premature, so it's a big deal that for his safety that everybody else takes care of themselves,” Shires said. “And I also have some immuno-compromised, so for me I need everybody to be [healthy] cause if mom goes down when you’re the mom of five, then everyone’s in trouble.”

During the clinic, there were some children who required some extra convincing, but ultimately braved receiving the dose.

Health First Bluegrass said they’re partnered with the school district along with Wild Health to give vaccines to more than 225 children in the Lexington area.

“Mia’s birthday was yesterday and she couldn't have a traditional birthday party,” Shires said. “We missed those birthday parties and those family events and the holidays and traveling and so I think you know for us, that's why this is a big deal as we want to try to get back to normal.”

FCPS said the second round doses are scheduled on December 1. A parent or guardian must be present with a child between the ages of 5 and 11.