Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Ava Gialames, a seventh-grader at Charleroi Area Middle/High School, braces for the pinch of her COVID-19 vaccine shot in this file photo from November 2021. Gialames’s mother, Christine, who teaches at Charleroi, signed her daughters up for the free clinic after speaking with the family pediatrician, who said the children’s vaccines are safe.

Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Shadan Goydich gives the thumbs-up to his mom, Jordan, as he receives his COVID-19 vaccine in November. As cases of COVID-19 surge, health officials are urging those who have not been vaccinated to do so, or to get their booster.

Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

In this file photo from last week, Isla Goydich watches as UPMC nurse Rose Trunzo administers the COVID-19 vaccine. Goydich, a second-grader at Charleroi Elementary, was among several elementary students to receive the vaccine at a clinic last week.

Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Gabriella Pellegrini squeezes her dad’s hand, anticipating the sting of a COVID-19 shot. After the fourth-grader received her children’s vaccine, Gabriella’s father, Jamie Pelligrini, sat for his booster.

Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Eric McElhone holds his daughter’s lollipop while Ella Briggs, a kindergartner at Charleroi Elementary, comforts her friend Reese McElhone as Reese receives her COVID-19 vaccine. Briggs also received the shot during Charleroi Area School District’s clinic last month.