Since the time that vaccinations for the many COVID-19 permutations became available, The Mining Journal has been an unwavering voice of support for the shots.

That’s not to say we have opposed other forms of COVID-19 virus treatments. We haven’t. But overwhelmingly the science suggests that vaccinations give people the best chance of staying out of the hospital if they get sick.

Now, parents and caregivers can get their children ages 6 months to 5 years vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines and once again, we are recommending that young children be vaccinated.

The shots are now available locally.

“I urge parents to get their children vaccinated so they can enjoy their summer and get ready for the fall, knowing they are protected,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Parents have been patiently waiting for a vaccine for younger children for years, and now we are ready to help our little ones get the best protection. I am grateful to every Michigander who has gotten their COVID vaccine, taking action to keep themselves, and all our friends, families and neighbors, safe.”

According to the Associated Press, in Michigan there have been more than 427,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in those age 19 and younger, and 44 deaths have been reported in ages 0 to 19 as of June 15, MDHHS said.

To date, more than 6.7 million Michiganders have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Get your kids vaccinated. Is it a perfect solution? Nope. But given the nature of the COVID-19 beast, it’s the best thing we can do.