With regulatory approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged five to 11 expected shortly, Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it’s in the planning stage to roll out the vaccine among children of that age.
“Although there are many unknowns as we wait for Health Canada approval of the vaccine and subsequent Ministry of Health guidance, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has started planning for the vaccination of children aged five to 11,” said a written statement provided to Sudbury.com by the health unit.
“We are currently planning operations, reviewing logistical considerations and working on a detailed communications and outreach plan.
“We have also formed a Child Vaccination Advisory Council of professionals to provide us guidance about the vaccination of children in our service area. Partnerships are essential for successful vaccine uptake and we are grateful to those who are assisting us with these efforts.”
Health Canada said late last month it is continuing to rigorously analyze Pfizer’s submission for a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11.
Public Health Sudbury said in a social media post that the approval is expected “in the next few weeks.”
Ontario’s COVID-19 science table said school-based vaccinations are the best approach for such a vaccination campaign.
Public Health Sudbury said in the written statement that like its current COVID-19 vaccination options for those aged 12+, there will be many different delivery channels for children in the five to 11 age group.
The health unit said this includes Public Health clinics, pharmacies and primary care offices.
It is also “working with all seven school boards in our service area to determine the best ways of reaching this younger population through their schools,” said the health unit’s statement.
School boards are a key partner in vaccine planning for children aged five to 11, said the health unit.
“We have weekly meetings with our school board partners to discuss all things COVID, including planning,” said the health unit.
“They are valued for their expertise in communicating with families and knowing what students and schools may need a different vaccination approach to ensure equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The matter of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout among children aged five to 11 years old came up at the Oct. 26 Rainbow District School Board meeting.
Director of education Bruce Bourget said COVID-19 vaccine clinics were held at the board’s schools this fall for all students born in 2009 or later (or those turning 12 years old this year). School clinics for that age group were to conclude today (Nov. 4), he said.
“The local directors of education and COVID leads continue to meet with representatives of Public Health Sudbury and Districts weekly,” Bourget said.
“As you may have heard in the news, a vaccine will soon be available for five to 11-year-olds. Our local health unit is currently working on an outreach plan to distribute the vaccine.
“School boards will have an opportunity for input, and public health will also be launching a communications campaign to ensure parents and guardians have access to resources to make an informed decision.”
