Not even Wednesday’s heavy rain deterred parents and children from making their way to the Ato Boldon Stadium mass vaccination site in Couva, where children 12-18 were being given their first jab of the Pfizer covid19 vaccine.

The turnout was so high that there was heavy traffic leading to the site, which gave drive-through jabs.

Newsday spent more than 20 minutes in traffic from the Preysal exit just to reach the Couva Main Road, and still had to wait in line along the main road before reaching the stadium.

[caption id="attachment_908073" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Long lines outside the Ato Boldon stadium as hundreds turned out to have their children vaccinated after the US government donated Pfizer vaccines which will be used to vaccinate children between the ages of 12-18. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]

The site’s medical director Dr Sharaz Mohammed was happy with the turnout, admitting there had been concerns that Wednesday’s weather would deter parents from brining their children to be vaccinated.

Mohammed told Newsday, “Initially, because of the weather, we were a bit apprehensive in terms of what the turnout would have been.

“But as you could see outside, we have lines extending a fair distance. So we are happy with the turnout.”

Though Wednesday’s weather made things difficult for the site’s personnel, especially those directing traffic and giving the injections in tents, Mohammed said everyone agreed the work must continue, as the goal was to vaccinate as many children as possible.

[caption id="attachment_908070" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Arianna Ramsahai, 18, received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Proman vaccine site at the Ato Boldon stadium. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]

Apart from the high turnout, Mohammed said the measures to safeguard children compounded traffic at the site.

“When we take into consideration the paediatric population, we have to put certain things in place. So there are checks and balances.

“When the patient comes in, we have to make sure they have consent if they’re not over the age to give consent...so they (have to be) accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

[caption id="attachment_908069" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Abduramazaaq Imran, 17, received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Proman Vaccine site, Ato Boldon stadium, Couva. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]

In addition, he said, "When they reach to the point of vaccination, we have to take a little extra time because kids are a little bit apprehensive when it comes to receiving a vaccine.”

On Wednesday, Mohammed said the site catered to vaccinate at least 700 children.

He urged parents to bring their children and also urged unvaccinated adults to get vaccinated.

Co-workers Narisa Abdool and Sariah Oujar brought their daughters to get vaccinated together. The two did this to make the experience easier for their daughters, who were a bit nervous.

Abdool told Newsday, “Having immunity is important, because if something goes wrong and they have