By Cecilia Nasmith

The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit has announced two key dates for parents to keep in mind as they contemplate COVID-19 vaccinations for their children aged five to 11.

One is Nov. 29, the date as of which local vaccination clinic appointments will begin for this age group. These appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system as of Tuesday morning.

The other is Dec. 2, when a virtual meeting with a panel of local health-care providers from 6 to 7 p.m. Will share information on the vaccine and discuss how to prepare a child for the shot and potential side effects.

These efforts come following Health Canada's green light for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be provided to children aged five to 11.

In the health unit press release, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking noted that children can contribute to the spread of the virus, both at home and in other settings.

“In order for us to most effectively build community protection against COVIC-19, we need to get as many people across all age groups – including children – fully vaccinated,” Dr, Bocking urged.

The Dec. 2 session is called Fast Facts on COVID-19 Vacs for Kids, to be live-streamed on YouTube and the recording provided after the meeting. You can obtain instructions on how to view the session and how to pre-submit questions at www.hkpr.on.ca

Panelists include family physician Dr. Sheila Mae Young of the City of Kawartha Lakes as moderator, with Dr. Bocking, Dr. Emma Smith (family physician with the Northumberland Family Health Team) and HKPR health unit Public Health Nurse Brooke Mountney.

“We know some parents are questioning the need and the safety of the vaccine, and this information session is the perfect opportunity to talk about those concerns and help clear up some of the misinformation and fear that may be circulating,” Dr. Bocking said.

“While children are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19, there are still many reasons why they need the protection offered by the vaccine.”

Parents and guardians with questions about COVID-19 vaccine for children are also encouraged to speak with their health-care providers. The SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service also offers appointment-based phone service that provides a safe judgment-free space to discuss the issue. To book an appointment, visit sickkids.ca

As well, the health unit has information, resources and videos on its website to help families decide what's right for their child, as well as vaccination clinic locations, dates and times for children.