Vaccines for young people aged 12 and older in the area of Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) are being organized over three weeks beginning the week of June 7.
PHSD said this is part of the provincial government’s plan to ensure all youths aged 12 and older at time of immunization receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine before the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
Details were outlined in a letter to parents and guardians of local youth by Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, the medical officer of health for PHSD, who wrote she was excited that area youth and their families would soon be protected against COVID-19.
The letter presented on PHSD letterhead is co-signed by the four directors of education for the Sudbury district.
"The vaccine is critical to protecting youth and our communities from COVID-19,” she said.
“We know that youth can get infected and spread the virus to others, even if they don’t show symptoms. The vaccine is very effective in preventing illness from COVID-19 and keeping our communities safe and healthy. We strongly endorse and encourage participation in the vaccination program.”
The letter also said that daytime school clinics would be organized through school-based appointment blocks, or by booking into the mass vaccination clinics held at local arenas. School-based appointment blocks will be able to take advantage of free bus transportation to and from the clinics, said the letter.
"More details to come on this free daytime transportation. The evening clinics are for youth and families who cannot attend during the day. Bookings at mass immunization clinics will require individuals to arrange their own transportation," the letter continued.
The letter said additional information would soon be shared through local school boards.
"The information will be important to review and answer questions about the vaccine prior to your appointment. Details about clinic participation and consent will also be available through your youth’s school shortly," said the letter.
Our collective efforts to combat COVID-19 and return to in-person education is top priority. Public Health and local School Boards are working together to ensure access to the COVID-19 vaccine and return to an in-person school environment in which youth can grow, learn, and thrive.
