COVID-19 vaccine bookings for five to 11-year-olds opens Nov. 23

OTTAWA – Parents looking to get their five to 11-year-old children vaccinated can start booking appointments starting tomorrow (Nov. 22).

“ Today, the Province announced that starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23 Ottawa residents will be able to book vaccine appointments for five to 11-year-olds (born 2016 or earlier) through the provincial booking system,” city staff released in a statement today (Nov. 21). “These appointments will be at one of Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) seven community clinics.”

OPH expects to receive vaccine supply this week and more than 60,000 appointments will be available starting Friday, Nov. 26.

Other options for vaccinating five to 11-year-olds include:

• Neighbourhood vaccination hubs – Ottawa Public Health operates 10 neighbourhood vaccination hubs across the city
• After-hours school pop-up vaccination clinics – On December 2, Ottawa Public Health will begin a rotating schedule of 73 after-hours school pop-up vaccination clinics and will post details and clinic schedules on its website later this week
• Pharmacies – over 100 locations across the city are starting to offer vaccines to this age group; find the nearest participating pharmacy for appointment hours and locations 
• CHEO – the hospital offers vaccinations to children with medically complex needs
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members – Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health will host a clinic at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre in partnership with Ottawa Public Health
• Inuit community members – Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team is providing vaccinations for Inuit youth; call 613-740-0999 for more information or to book an appointment
• Mobile teams – Ottawa Public Health will be working with operators of congregate care facilities to administer vaccines on site
• Primary care – primary care physicians will be reaching out directly to their patients if they are offering COVID-19 pediatric vaccines in their offices

“OPH is aiming to make vaccination for these young residents and their families as easy and comfortable as possible, with new child-friendly signage and fun stickers to take home,” staff said. “Check the OPH website for tips on how to prepare for your child’s appointment, such as giving children a snack beforehand and bringing a comforting toy or music to listen to.”

OPH recommends all eligible residents receive two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully immunized. Parents and guardians who have questions about the vaccine can visit the frequently asked questions webpage.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children aged five to 11, including recommended dose intervals and getting a flu vaccine this season, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ChildCOVID19Vaccine.