A COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent your child from getting sick with COVID-19 and from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to others.
To be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination, child must be five years of age to receive their vaccine – not by year of birth, but must be five at the time of vaccination.
Those under 18 are not yet eligible for booster doses, but youth that are 16-17 years of age and work in a high-risk healthcare facility can get their booster, but must call the provincial booking number to secure an appointment.
For individuals five – 11 years of age and their families:
· Children 5 – 11 years old are recommended to receive two doses, 8 weeks apart for optimal, longest lasting protection. This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis
· The vaccine does not contain a live virus. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
· The vaccine for children in this age group is a smaller dose (one-third) than the vaccine used for adolescents and adults.
· The vaccine is given as a needle in the upper arm muscle.
· It is important that your child receive all recommended doses of the vaccine at the proper interval to get long-term protection against COVID-19.
· Vaccine Information Sheet for Children (gov.on.ca)
· Youth and COVID-19 Vaccines (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)
For individuals 12-17 Years old and their families
· It is important that you receive all recommended doses of the vaccine to get long-term protection against COVID-19.
o You are recommended to receive your first and second doses 8 weeks apart for optimal, longest lasting protection.
o This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis
Individuals may be recommended to get an additional dose of the COVID19 vaccine because of their immune system response or because they are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
For those aged 5-11, the COVID-19 vaccines should be booked at least 14 days before or after other vaccines. Second doses for this age group can be scheduled at least eight weeks after the first dose. Second dose appointments ARE NOT automatically booked when booking your first dose.
§ See the COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations for more information
· Youth that are 16-17 years of age that work in a high-risk healthcare facility can get their booster, but must call the provincial booking number to secure an appointment.
· The vaccines teach your immune system how to recognize and fight against the COVID-19 virus, which helps to prevent illness if you come into contact with the virus.
· The COVID-19 vaccine is given as a needle in the upper arm muscle.
· The vaccine does not contain a live virus. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
· COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet (age 12+) (gov.on.ca)
· Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine - Canada.ca
· Youth and COVID-19 Vaccines (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)
For an up to date list of clinics available, please review the VACCINE SCHEDULE. Do not call the Health Unit to try to book an appointment - they are not able to book for you.
source: media release, GBHU
