York Region opening COVID-19 vaccine to kids under 5 next week

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 25, 2022

York Region is opening COVID-19 vaccination booking to its youngest children starting July 28.

The region announced that it would start taking appointments for the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children that day, ages six months to under five years. Parents will be able to book through york.ca/covid19vaccine.

The province announced the vaccine would start being administered in Ontario July 21.

“The approval of a lower dose pediatric Moderna vaccine will give families the opportunity to provide an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 for the youngest members of their families,” Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said.

Health Canada announced its approval of the child COVID-19 vaccine last week. COVID-19 vaccines were previously only available for those over five.

Although walk-ins are available for many doses of the vaccine York Region indicated child vaccines would be by appointment, as was the case when second booster doses opened up to all adults last week.

It said parents/caregivers would have to provide consent and that children must be at least six months old on the day of the appointment. York Region presently runs a clinic in Newmarket at 17150 Yonge St.

You will also be able to book an appointment with pharmacies and the province's booking system.

“Getting vaccinated remains the best defense against COVID-19, and I encourage parents with questions to reach out to their health care provider, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, or the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to make an informed choice for their family,” Jones said.

The province said that parents and caregivers with questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids registered nurse.