York Region is finalizing plans to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years.
It invites residents to book appointments beginning Tuesday morning and expects to start administering jabs at pop-up clinics and community hubs on Friday. About 91,000 children in York are eligible for the vaccine, which is a lower dosage of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
The Region is also working with local school boards to offer school-based vaccination clinics in targeted locations. “COVID-19 infections can have serious consequences for all age groups, particularly given the circulation of new variants of concern. An approved COVID-19 vaccine for five to 11-year-olds represents significantly more protection for children, their families and the community as a whole,” it says.
“Every effort will be made to make the vaccination process as comfortable as possible for children and families, including support to reduce anxiety and vaccine-related fears,” the Region reports. Parents and caregivers with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children, especially for children with complicated medical histories or specialized needs, can speak to a York Region Public Health Nurse by calling 1-800-361-5653 or a pediatric Registered Nurse though the SickKids COVID-19 Consult Services.
Health Canada approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for kids aged five to 11 on Friday. Residents can book an appointment for five to 11-year-olds beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m. at york.ca/COVID19Vaccine or by calling 1-877-464-9675. Vaccine distribution will be based on supply.
