Local families can begin booking COVID vaccination appointments for children ages 5 to 11 starting Tuesday morning at 8 a.m.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says vaccination clinics for children born in 2016 and earlier will be available at a variety of times and locations, and pop-up clinics will also be offered in the coming weeks.
Appointments can be booked through the public health website or the provincial booking site.
Children can also receive the vaccine at participating local pharmacies.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says public health nurses have received additional training in immunizing children.
He adds COVID-19 vaccination has been thoroughly tested to ensure it is safe for children and youth.
Children aged 5 to 11 will receive the Pfizer vaccine, about one-third the size of the adult dose.
For vaccination opportunities, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking or covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine on or after Tuesday, November 23 to view available appointments.
For additional information about vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11, including information about safety and the approval process, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines-youth.
Planning for your child’s appointment
To help reduce potential anxiety, talk to your child about why the vaccine is important, and what to expect at their appointment. When planning to attend your child’s appointment, please have them wear a short-sleeved shirt (or other shirt that allows the upper arm to be easily accessible). While food and drink are not allowed in the clinic, please have them eat something before the appointment, and have something ready for them to eat afterwards. Consider bringing a book or toy to distract them during the vaccination and the required 15-minute wait time. To help maintain physical distancing, we ask that only one caregiver attend with each child.
For more information and other helpful resources to help you and your child prepare for their appointment, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines-youth. If you still have questions after reviewing our web page, registered nurses at SickKids hospital are available listen and answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. You can book a consultation to speak with a nurse at SickKids.
