York Region webinar for parents with questions about COVID-19 vaccines for kids

Preregistration is required for the virtual event on Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m.

newmarkettoday.ca
Joseph Quigley
Feb. 23, 2022

York Region is convening an expert panel tonight to help parents learn about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Public health is hosting a webinar aimed at parents and caregivers today, Feb. 22, about why children aged five to 11 should get vaccinated. The session will delve into side effects, interval doses, natural immunity and what to expect at a vaccination clinic.

“In addition to being experts in their fields, the panellists are parents who understand and empathize with the concerns parents and guardians may have when it comes to vaccinating children,” the region said in a news release.

Approximately 61.2 per cent of York Region children aged five to 11 have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose as of Feb. 18, with 30.9 per cent having received two doses. But the region aims to increase vaccination rates among the age group.

The region also recently conducted a survey to gather information on parents’ thoughts on vaccination and its accessibility for children.

“We thank everyone who participated in the survey and we are pleased to share we received more than 13,000 responses from York Region parents and guardians,” the region said.

The panellists include York Region medical officer of health Dr. Barry Pakes and public health nurse and acting manager of COVID-19 vaccination operations Katie Wickham. Markham community family physician Dr. Amanda Adams and York Region-based pediatrician Dr. Charmaine van Schaik will also be on the panel.

The webinar will be conducted through Microsoft Teams Live from 6 to 7 p.m. Preregistration is required here. You can get information about the webinar by calling Access York at 1-877-464-9675.