Before his heart grew three sizes that day, the Grinch did his evil best to steal Christmas. In 2021, it sure feels like he’s at it again. The pandemic has tried to rob our holiday joy for the last few years but this Friday, December 17, Mason Health is teaming up with the Shelton Family YMCA to vaccinate all the Whos in Whoville ages five and up at their How the Grinch Stole COVID afternoon. With a little luck and your vaccination shot, families will soon be singing hand in hand once again.
The event runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Shelton Family YMCA’s gymnasium. Everyone is welcome and the Grinch will be there to keep spirits silly for little ones worried about getting their shot. Anyone else is welcome to join them whether getting their first, second or booster dose. Organizers hope to offer all three vaccine varieties and online preregistration is strongly encouraged…though not required. Walk-ins are always welcome. Parents can access the consent forms in English or Spanish.
Clara Robbins is the membership and wellness director for the South Sound YMCA, and she has one simple goal for their organization and future events like these. “Our hope is to be that community hub,” she shares. “We hope to be a community center where folks can find any and all resources that will help them reach their wellness goals. We’re more than just a gym. We focus on physical, mental and financial health to make well-rounded individuals. We do what we do best and partner for the rest.” She is excited for the upcoming vaccination clinic. “We feel really privileged and blessed to be able to host community-benefitting events,” she adds.
Mason Health’s Senior Director of Ancillary Services Nicole Eddins is also looking forward to Friday’s activities. Trained as a pharmacist, she explains that the dosage for the 5- to 11-year-old age group is one-third an adult dose and “safe and effective, millions have received it so far.”
The hospital and clinic work hard to create and build many partnerships like this throughout the region. “Without these partnerships there’s no way we could provide so many vaccines,” Eddins admits. To date, Mason Health has administered more than 28,163 according to the rolling counter on their homepage.
“There’s no better gift than the gift of immunity,” says Eddins. Her own daughter Avery, who just turned five, even got to discuss the vaccine event with her mom on camera as part of a recent iFiber One KMAS interview. “It’s important to keep the whole family safe,” says Eddins.
For nervous kids, the Grinch will be on-site for photos and there will be a Whoville room to play in or calm down if they’re upset. Recipients will also receive a goodie bag from Mason Health and day-passes and tours of the Shelton Family YMCA while they’re visiting. “The Grinch is stealing COVID,” says Jennifer Capps, the chief development and communication officer at Mason Health, “and he’s not giving it back.”
“We are a healthcare provider,” says Capps, “and a member of society. We wanted to make a fun and safe opportunity for kids of all ages and the YMCA is a great partner and community asset.” More than just medicine, Mason Health offers guidance on eating well, vaccinations, mental health services and so much more.
We don’t have to face another holidays season in Grinchy solitude, looking out at the world from our snowy cave. Thanks to passionate caregivers and community-wide partnerships, this could be the turning point back towards togetherness and festivities. Vaccinations are free and available to everyone over the age of five.
Share the event via Facebook with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers so everyone can look forward to celebrating over carols and roast beast again soon. Can’t make it to the YMCA on December 17? Make an appointment for your COVID or flu shot at Mason Health now. From their website you can also read more about COVID vaccine myths and facts or frequently asked questions and answers.
They also have a COVID treatment clinic hub where you can read more about symptoms and testing options. If you have coronavirus symptoms, call Mason Clinic at 360.426.2653 and speak with the scheduling team or reach out to your primary care provider.
It took working together in a spirit of hope and community for the Grinch to come around. On December 17, join in the fun with caregivers, YMCA staff and kids of all ages. It’ll be a guaranteed sing-along that’s sure not to stink, stank, stunk.
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