KidsAbility and Public Health partnership supported children with special needs to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Waterloo Region – Thanks to an important partnership between Region of Waterloo Public Health and KidsAbility, children with severe needle anxiety or general anxiety, as well as those with sensory, behavioural or other special needs got the support they needed to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Children aged 5-17, as well as their parents, caregivers and other household family members, were also able to receive their vaccine at special accommodation clinics held at KidsAbility in Waterloo Region.

Altogether, vaccination clinics that ran between December 2021 and March 2022 at KidsAbility administered approximately 550 first, second and booster doses with additional supports in place to make it a positive experience for children and their families.

“We were thrilled to host these clinics in partnership with Public Health,” said Linda Kenny, Chief Executive Officer at KidsAbility. “The children and families who attended the clinic really were vaccination superheroes – protecting themselves, each other, and the community from COVID-19. I’m also incredibly proud of the nearly 100 KidsAbility staff who volunteered their evenings and weekends to help support children getting vaccinated. It was certainly a win-win for everyone involved.”

The special accommodation vaccination clinics offered private immunization spaces in a sensory-friendly environment with reduced noise and lighting. Longer appointment times were available as well as plenty of toys for distraction. In addition to the immunizer, caring therapists and volunteers were available to support the needs of each child and their family.

“We’re very appreciative that KidsAbility offered special accommodation vaccination clinics at their locations for children and families who could benefit from the additional support,” said Amber White, Manager, Clinical Services for Region of Waterloo Public Health. “This was a very successful partnership that made it much easier for many families to access the COVID-19 vaccine and have a positive immunization experience.”