As summer vacation draws to a close, Public Health is encouraging families to make sure their children are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before returning to school. Vaccines help reduce a child’s risk of getting seriously ill from the virus.
High vaccination coverage in schools and the community will also help reduce the severity of illnesses during the expected fall and winter waves of COVID-19, in addition to influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines continues to be the best defense against hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Children from 6 months to 5 years of age became eligible to receive the first of two doses of the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 on July 28. Parents who want to get their children vaccinated are encouraged to contact their family doctor or visit their local pharmacy.
Appointments are also available for the 6 months to 5 year old age group at regional vaccine clinics at 99 Regina Street in Waterloo or 30 Christopher Drive in Cambridge. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments can be booked for children 6 months to 5 years of age using the provincial online booking system: covid-19.ontario.ca/book-
COVID-19 vaccines are also available for children over 5 years of age who require a first or second dose. To date, 53 per cent of children aged 5-11 have received one dose and 41 per cent of this age group have received both doses for which they are eligible.
Any child who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or is displaying symptoms should wait eight weeks before starting the series of vaccinations.
Regional vaccination clinics are also accepting walk-ins for anyone who is eligible for their next dose. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, as well as clinic locations and hours, visit: regionofwaterloo.ca/
