Ontario is working with the federal government to confirm the timing of when children in the province can start receiving COVID-19 vaccines, says Health Minister Christine Elliott.
On Nov. 19, Health Canada approved the vaccine for children ages five to 11. People may be able to book appointments as early as next week.
The approval is encouraging news as people move indoors for the winter, said Elliott in a statement issued with Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
She said there have been assurances from the federal government that there will be enough doses to vaccinate all eligible children.
"We are working with the federal government to confirm and finalize details on the specific timing of shipments, and we stand ready to begin distributing and administering doses as soon as they arrive," reads the statement.
Locally, Public Health Sudbury & Districts said it continues to await guidance from the Ministry of Health, “which is expected in the next few days.”
“We are prepared to receive the vaccine and the administration of the vaccine for this age group will begin on or near Nov. 25 or immediately once vaccine supply arrives,” Public Health told Sudbury.com.
Children in the 5- to 11-year-old age group will be administered a pediatric dose of 10 micrograms (1/3 of the adult dose) and will require a second dose for full protection.
Parents will have several options for getting their children vaccinated, Public Health said. Delivery channels will include existing mass immunization and pop-up clinics, pharmacies, primary care offices, and targeted in-school and after-school clinics. Special considerations will be given to children attending special needs schools, schools that service at-risk populations, and where schools may have reduced access or transportation concerns.
Booking details for this age group will be shared when the vaccine supply is received locally, and will be done via the provincial online booking system at Covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine and through the local call centre at 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505). Once available, our schedule will be listed on our website at PHSD.ca.
