A COVID-19 vaccination clinic was held at Hoboken High School on Tuesday for students eligible to receive the shot.

The clinic was available to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Sixty-five students in all received their dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

“This is part of us getting school back in session. For everyone,” says Principal Robin Piccapietra. “When you prepare for a school year, this is not something that goes into the critical work you’re doing over the summer."

Hoboken High has been ahead of the curve all year when it comes to the pandemic. About 55% of the student body has returned for in-person learning, with lunch, since September. The principal says that the school will do whatever is necessary to protect the students.

The clinic was also open to the parents of the students. Dierdra Stewart and her son both received their dose on Tuesday. Stewart said that she ideally wanted to get the shot first to test it out, but it worked out for both she and her son to get it.

“It was his decision. I get it, so I am doing it with him,” she says. “We did it together.”

Hoboken has vaccinated 50% of its population. And there is confidence that with the recent FDA approval, more 12- to 15-year-olds will soon be protected.

“I’m hearing parents are really excited, that they wish that their child would also be eligible,” says Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour.

The school may hold another clinic in the future.

“I had a huge response from my freshman and sophomore classes, asking, ‘Can I get in?’” Piccapietra says.

This clinic was put on with the help of Medicine Man Pharmacy. The pharmacy will start vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds on Saturday.