HURON-PERTH – On July 21, the Ontario government announced that COVID-19 vaccine bookings would open for children six months to under five years of age. Parents/caregivers will be able to book an appointment for their eligible children starting on Thursday, July 28.
The decision follows Health Canada’s approval of the paediatric Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to under five years of age on July 14. The vaccine will be administered in two doses, eight weeks apart.
“I am pleased that we now have a COVID-19 vaccine available for this age group,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health for Huron Perth. “We know that most children who contract COVID-19 have mild illness, but some can become very sick and need to be hospitalized.
“Vaccination is our best defense against severe outcomes from COVID-19.”
Immuno-compromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).
Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) will hold vaccine clinics specifically for children six months to under five years of age beginning Friday, July 29. Other individuals will not be able to get vaccinated at these clinics.
Clinic dates and locations will be posted at www.hpph.ca/GetVaccinated. Clinics are by appointment only.
HPPH recommends parents/caregivers bring something along to help their child relax during their appointment, such as a favourite stuffy, a toy, or headphones and music.
Book your appointment for an HPPH clinic:
– Online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/;
– By calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900; or
– By calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098 (open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
COVID-19 vaccinations are also available through some pharmacies and primary care providers.
A reminder that mask use continues in HPPH clinical services and HPPH public areas, including on-site and community vaccine clinics. HPPH staff will be masked, and we ask everyone who attends to wear a mask. Masks will be available for use.
In addition, please do not attend a vaccine clinic if you are feeling unwell, have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or you are isolating.
