COVID vaccines now available for the very young
By Cecilia Nasmith
As of 8 a.m. yesterday, parents and caregivers of children aged six months to five years can book appointments to give them the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, with the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and local health-care providers assisting in the roll-out.
As well, immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will become eligible to schedule a second booster dose if at least six months have passed since their first booster.
Those looking to book a vaccination appointment for a child aged six months to five years can contact their family physician's office directly, as many health-care providers are providing this service.
If not – or if you do not have a family doctor – you can attend one of the health-unit's family-friendly clinics by using the provincial booking system or calling 1-833-943-3900.
Some local pharmacies may also be offering the vaccines for this age group. Visit www.hkpr.on.ca or the Ontario government's COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine locations web page for more information.
“COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and have helped reduce serious illness and hospitalizations for those aged five years and older throughout the pandemic,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking said in the announcement.
“It's great to see this same increased level of protection now available to the very youngest members of our society.”
Although most children who get infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms (or mild ones), some can become very sick and require hospitalization.
“The vaccine offered to children aged six months to five years is a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting this age group from COVID-19,” Dr. Bocking said.
“Even if a child has already had COVID-19, vaccination will help to further improve the immune response and provide increased protection.”
Dr. Bocking encourages families to make an informed decision on the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine by speaking to their health-care provider, calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, or visiting the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book an appointment to speak with a SickKids Registered Nurse.
Earlier this month, Health Canada approved the use of the pediatric Moderna vaccine, which is a slightly modified lower dose than that given to children aged six to 11. It will be given in two doses at least eight weeks apart. For children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, three doses of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine are recommended, with an interval of four to eight weeks between each dose.
It is recommended that the COVID-19 vaccine for young children be given 14 days before or after a different vaccine.
First, second and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available locally. For a complete list of dates, times, locations and eligibility criteria, visit www.hkpr.on.ca.
