COVID-19 vaccinations now available for children in Canada

People lined up outside a COVID-19 vaccination center at the sports complex in Hawkesbury, Ontario, on March 12, 2021. Photo: James Morgan

COVID-19 vaccinations are now being given to children ages 5-11across Canada. The federal health department, Health Canada, gave official, full approval for the use of the Pfizer pediatric vaccine on November 19. Youth aged 12 and older have already been eligible to be vaccinated as adults. 

Vaccination appointments may now be made online or by phone, including for children who live in the territory of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), which is the local public health department serving Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, and Russell counties. 

According to EOHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, approximately 3,000 appointments were initially available and more will be added in December. COVID-19 vaccinations for children will also be available at physician’s offices and participating pharmacies. Walk-in clinics will be held for children who are residents of the EOHU territory at selected schools over three weekends, beginning December 4 and 5. 

Roumeliotis understands parents have many questions about COVID-19 vaccination for children. Using his background as a pediatrician, Roumeliotis has provided series of answers to questions parents may have, and a video, on the EOHU website at covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-5-to-11 . He estimated approximately 15,000 children ages five to 11 across the EOHU’s jurisdiction are eligible to be vaccinated. 

COVID-19 vaccination for children is seen by Roumeliotis as another step towards the further removal of all pandemic-related restrictions across the region. As of Monday, November 22, there were 84 active cases of COVID-19 across the EOHU’s territory.  

Roumeliotis said the majority of active cases across the EOHU’s jurisdiction are among people aged 18 to 29, where vaccination rates have been lower. As of November 22, 92 per cent of all EOHU residents aged 12 and higher had received one dose, and 89 per cent of the same age group had received two doses. Individuals aged 70 and older are presently eligible for a third booster. The eligibility age for that third booster will be reduced in the months ahead. 

According to Roumeliotis, vaccination rates have been less in parts of Hawkesbury and Cornwall. He attributed that to barriers to accessibility, other socio-demographic factors, and misinformation. When asked if he is concerned about misinformation and conspiracy theories influencing parents in their decision to have their children vaccinated, Roumeliotis said signs of that are already showing. He is attempting to communicate with parents and ensure they get proper information from proper sources. 

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are also available now for children aged five to 11 in Quebec. 

Existing vaccination sites in the region have been adapted to have a more family and child-friendly environment.  

“All children aged five to 11 in the Laurentides, whose parents will give their consent, will have the eligibility to receive first dose before the holiday season,” said CISSS des Laurentides regional health authority President and CEO, Rosemonde Landry.   

School vaccination will also be offered beginning November 29 to children aged five to 11. Schools will be sending vaccination information home to parents ahead of time. 

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