Roughly 20 per cent of local kids aged 5 to 11 booked for COVID vaccine
Posted Nov 26, 2021 09:00:00 PM.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than 10,000 appointments were booked for the five to eleven age group. However, around 20,000 appointments are available before December 12. This includes approximately 6,000 appointments for the 'Every Dose Counts' weekend at the Pinebush clinic Dec. 11/12.
“The staff at Pinebush are working hard to bring a festive spirit for that weekend by extending hours and bringing in extra staff,” said Vickie Murray, regional vaccine services director. “I hope many people will take advantage of the 20-thousand open appointments as we work towards making vaccines available for all our children before the holiday season.”
Additionally, participating pharmacies and primary care offices do have pediatric doses on hand. Regional clinics are appointment only for the time being due to the rise in demand.
Murray says the region has been working with school boards to identify school communities to offer special on-site clinics with quieter, sensory-safe options.
“First is happening December 2nd from 4-8 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Elementary School, second is December 4th at Queensmount Public School from 9:15- 3:15 p.m.” she said. “School-based clinics from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7-9 and Dec. 14-16, as well as for full days from Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 29-30. Locations for those clinics are being finalized.”
While November 26, the dashboard update shows 88.85 per cent of eligible 12+ residents are fully vaccinated, Monday's update will include the five to eleven age group.
As for third doses, 19,190 third doses have been administered, and recent data suggests approx. 83 per cent of people eligible for a third dose have already received one. As of November 25, 6,700 appointments are available for third doses between Dec. 13 and Dec. 24.
While the focus is to vaccinate the five to eleven age group, all ages are still encouraged to book their first or second dose appointment. Murray said walk-in will also be available once it is manageable.
