Local planning underway in advance of approval of COVID-19 vaccines for children

Waterloo Region – In anticipation that COVID-19 vaccines will be approved later this fall/winter for children aged 5-11, the Region of Waterloo is planning for the next phase of the vaccine rollout. The goal of advance planning is to be ready to administer the vaccine as quickly as possible to children 5-11 years of age when it has been approved and vaccine becomes readily available across Waterloo Region.

In the coming weeks, the Region of Waterloo will be collaborating with local partners, including school boards, physicians and pharmacists to optimize plans for vaccinating young children. Planning is also underway for information sessions for parents and families to help them prepare for their child’s positive vaccination experience.

Many parents and families are already eager to hear how their children will be immunized once the COVID-19 vaccine is approved by Health Canada for those 5-11 years of age. Once a child’s dose of the vaccine is available, it will be offered at doctors’ offices, pharmacies and regional vaccination clinics. Planning is also underway for possible drive-thru clinics and mobile clinics in many urban and rural neighbourhoods across Waterloo Region.

However, until the COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children, it is important that every eligible person around them gets fully vaccinated. Although most children who become infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, some children become severely ill and require hospitalization. Children can also transmit the virus to others who may be at an increased risk of serious outcomes.

Parents and families with questions and concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to speak with their family doctor, pediatrician or other trusted health professional. At this time, the two approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are only recommended for individuals 12 and older.

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