The following is a press release from KFLA Public Health
Tomorrow, November 23, 2021, KFL&A Public Health’s online vaccine clinic booking tool will open appointments for children 5 to 11 years of age (born 2016 or earlier) at 8:00 a.m. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the region and with the holiday season approaching, getting everyone fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is more important than ever. Booking through KFL&A Public Health’s online tool offers the fastest access to available local clinic appointments. The provincial booking system will not show appointments in the KFL&A region.
• Parents or caregivers of children 5 to 11 years of age can schedule their first vaccination appointments tomorrow by visiting: kflaph.ca/vaccine
• If KFL&A residents require assistance with booking tomorrow they can call: 343-477-0172, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please do not call KFL&A Public Health’s main line to book an appointment.
• Please do not bring your child to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic without an appointment. Vaccines will only be given to children who have an appointment. We appreciate your cooperation to help ensure local vaccine clinics can operate efficiently and effectively.
Vaccination will help keep kids safe from serious side effects of the COVID-19 virus and will also help avoid disruption in their lives. Getting vaccinated will help kids safely get back to enjoying all the activities they love, and will help reduce potential absences from school, sports, or other activities they enjoy. While COVID-19 tends to be mild in children and youth, some do experience severe cases, side effects, and even hospitalization. In the KFL&A region, in the past month almost 100 COVID-19 cases have been recorded among children aged 5 to 11 years, and since the start of the pandemic, 2400 children have been required to isolate and miss school due to identification as a close contact of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine has been thoroughly tested to ensure it is safe for children aged 5 to 11 years. Health Canada reviews vaccines thoroughly before approval, to ensure that benefits outweigh any potential risks. The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized by Health Canada for use in individuals aged 5 to 11 years. Children in this age group will receive a smaller dose than those age 12 and older (10mcg), and to be fully vaccinated, they must receive a second dose of the vaccine. It is recommended that the second dose be received a minimum of 8 weeks after the first. Helpful information and resources for children and their families to make informed decisions about vaccination, is available at kflaph.ca/VaccineFAQs
Planning for your child’s appointment
To help reduce potential anxiety, talk to your child about why the vaccine is important, and what to expect at their appointment.
When planning to attend your child’s appointment, please remember to:
• Complete the pre-screening form on the day of your appointment before you arrive kflaph.net/screening.
• Bring your child’s Health card or other government-issued ID (if available).
• Wear a mask.
• Complete a consent form. If your child attends a clinic with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian, they must complete a consent form.
• Bring a small toy, book, music, or handheld screen to help distract and comfort your child during the appointment.
• Be mindful of the clinic space as it is limited. Children aged 5 to 11 years must be accompanied by one adult only.
• Wear a short-sleeved t-shirt.
• Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit kflaph.ca/VaccineFAQs or visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.