A question and answer session, added school based clinics, and a special superhero day are some of the ways the Middlesex London Health Unit hopes to boost uptake of the childrens’ COVID-19 vaccine.
The health unit announced the new initiatives as part of the latest phase of its paediatric COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Thursday.
The most recent figures indicate just under 60 per cent of children aged 5 to 11 in London and Middlesex County have received one dose of the vaccine, while just under 38 per cent from the same age group have had two doses.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers and Dr. Michelle Barton-Forbes from Children’s Hospital are hosting a live, one-hour COVID-19 vaccine question and answer session on Instagram Thursday for parents of kids aged five to 11. It is hoped the Q and A session will clear up any concerns or misconceptions parents may have about getting their children vaccinated.
An additional 12 school-based vaccination clinics have been added to the health unit’s schedule for February. The pop-up, walk-in clinics aim to reduce potential barriers, such as time and transportation, that have prevented people from getting the shot. The school-based clinics are open to all ages. To see the full list of upcoming clinics click here.
For some added excitement around getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the health unit has also announced it will host a “superhero day” at its mass vaccination and pop-up clinics for Family Day on Monday. Both children and parents can dress up as their favourite caped or masked crusader and fly into a clinic to get the shot. There are four locations open on Monday – the Western Fair Agriplex from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Earl Nichols Recreation Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aberdeen Public School from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sir Arthur Carty Catholic School from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The health unit has a video available that parents can show to children to get them ready to roll up their sleeves. The video titled “Why did you get the COVID-19 Vaccine – Kids edition” can be found by clicking here.
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