Vaccines for children begin this week

UPDATE: Pediatric vaccination clinics for children between the ages of 5 to 11 will be held at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street) on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9 am – 5 pm.

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Beginning this week, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health will be offering vaccination clinics for children aged 5 to 11.

To book your child’s appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination at an upcoming public health immunization clinic, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine on or after Tuesday, Nov. 23 to view available appointments. Children born in 2016 and earlier can also receive the vaccine at participating local pharmacies.

If you would like to review additional information about vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11, including information about safety and the approval process, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines-youth.

The pediatric Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized by Health Canada for use in individuals aged 5 to 11.

Children in this age group will receive a smaller dose than those aged 12 and older (10mcg), and to be fully vaccinated they must receive a second dose a minimum of eight weeks after the first.

“We know that parents want to make a decision that is best for their children, and COVID-19 vaccination has been thoroughly tested to ensure it is safe for children and youth,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “The pandemic has been especially difficult for families of young children, who continue to be impacted by absences from school, sports, or other activities they love. Vaccination will help keep these children as safe as possible, while reducing disruptions in their lives.”