Vaccine appointments for children in Whitby, Oshawa and Durham can be booked this week

Durham parents who want their children vaccinated with the paediatric COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine can do so this week.

Durham Region’s Health Department will open vaccine clinic bookings for children five to 11-years old tomorrow. Appointments can be booked at durham.ca/vaccineappointment or by calling 1-888-444-5113. Appointments will be available starting on November 25.

The vaccine is authorized for children who will be turning five-years old in 2021 (born in 2016) to children who are 11-years old (born in 2010). It will be administered in two doses eight weeks apart for children to be fully vaccinated, with the eight-week interval considered ‘optimal’ for longest lasting protection.

The paediatric Pfizer vaccine will be a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting children five to 11-years old from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

“We understand that parents will have questions about our clinics and the vaccine for their children, and we’re here to help,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “Information and resources are available on our website to help parents better understand the vaccine and how it will benefit their children, as well as details for parents to prepare their children for vaccination.”

Children’s COVID-19 immunization clinics will be available in all area municipalities and will also be held at select school-based clinics by appointment only. For a listing of clinic locations and hours of operation, visit durham.ca/covidvaccines#Children-5-11. Children can also receive the vaccine through select pharmacies and health care providers. For more information visit durham.ca/covidvaccines. Older family members or friends will not be able to receive vaccine during clinics designated for children; however, individuals 12-plus can book a separate vaccine appointment at durham.ca/vaccineappointment.

One helpful resource is the CARD tool (https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/CARD_Vaccination_Handout.pdf)   that provides parents with helpful information on discussing the vaccine and clinic experience with their children. The CARD tool, which stands for Comfort, Ask, Relax and Distract, answers many questions that parents can discuss with their children to help better understand what their child may need, along with tips to help children prepare for their appointment and vaccination.