Parents are scrambling to stop the spread of the coronavirus now that children can get the vaccine - but getting the shot is still a challenge.

Westport Pediatrics is getting ready for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and has already vaccinated nearly 500 children. The dose may be smaller - but it's a big undertaking.

"It really requires a lot of people. And again, I think it all comes down to the stress of not having enough staff," says Dr. Jennifer Gruen.

That's why many pediatricians aren't even offering COVID-19 shots yet. For parents, even large-scale clinics are tough to get into.

"Those slots, I think, filled up within two hours," says Gruen.

One of the advantages of getting vaccinated at a pediatrician is they make it fun for children.

"Yeah, yeah. They love it," says Gruen.

Pediatricians also offer prizes and games.

"So what we did was, we had them guess how many germs were in the jar," she says.

Doctors are coming up with ways to speed up the process. Gruen has some advice for parents eager to protect their kids.

"Keep refreshing it because people cancel out, so you'll be able to get in," Gruen says. "I love that you want it now. You may have to wait a little bit, but it's going to happen."

In addition to pediatricians, pharmacies are also offering child vaccines.  You can find a provider here.

You can also get your child vaccinated at these clinics. Most require appointments, but Hartford HealthCare sites will also take walk-ins.

Yale New Haven tells News 12 it has vaccinated 2,000 children already and have 3,600 appointments for child vaccinations in the coming weeks.

SATURDAY
Stamford
CT Department of Public Health is holding a free vaccination clinic at Cummings Park (468 Shippan Avenue) from 11 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Bridgeport
Hartford HealthCare is holding a vaccine clinic at St. Vincent’s Hospital (Hawley Conference Center / 2800 Main Street).

Slots are still available, but they’ll also take walk-ins.

Sign up here. 

Westport
CT Children’s is hosting a community clinic at Staples Fieldhouse from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Torrington
Hartford HealthCare is holding a vaccine clinic at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (540 Litchfield St) from noon - 4 p.m.

Slots are still available, but they’ll also take walk-ins.

Sign up here.

SUNDAY
Hartford
CT Children’s is hosting a mass vaccination site for kids at Dunkin Donuts Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sign up here.

You can also call 860-757-4830 to schedule an appointment.

NEXT WEEK
Shelton
Griffin Health offers vaccinations at 10 Progress Drive Mondays and Wednesday from 4 p.m. -7 p.m. and at Griffin Health Occupational Medicine Center (same address) Saturdays from 9 a.m. - noon. No appointment is necessary.

New Haven
New Haven Health Department (54 Meadow Street) on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.