COVID-19 vaccines have begun rolling out for kids 5 to 11 years old.

Doctors at Saint Vincent's Medical Center welcomed a group of kids Tuesday night who wanted to get vaccinated. This was the first pediatric vaccination in the state.

Doctors say this rollout is critical to help keep children in school and protect them and their families.

Kids will be able to get the shots at their pediatrician, pharmacies and even some schools.

The state says there are almost 300,000 kids between 5 and 11 living in the state.

Saint Vincent’s says one of the first kids to get vaccinated was really excited about what this could mean.

"He actually was trying to implore his fellow kids to come do it. So, I wanted to share that I thought that was really impressive. Kids that want to step up and make their community safer by getting this vaccine is a wonderful thing, and we're here to support it," said John Rossi, vice president of operations at Hartford Healthcare.

Hartford HealthCare and Connecticut Children's will be offering clinics across the state on Nov. 13. There will be 300 pediatric vaccinations that day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Saint Vincent's Medical Center. The second dose is Dec. 4.

Hartford Healthcare says parents can start booking those appointments online this Friday.