OPH ready for COVID-19 youth vaccinations

OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Health (OPH) released more details on its plan to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages five to 11 today (Nov. 18).

The plan will come into effect after Health Canada authorizes the vaccine for this age group and the Province of Ontario delivers the vaccine supply.

“The plan ensures first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be available to 77,000 eligible children ages five to 11 living in Ottawa, within four weeks of the vaccine authorization and delivery,” OPH staff released in a statement today (Nov. 18). “By vaccinating our younger residents, we strengthen the entire community’s immunity from COVID-19 and its highly transmissible variants.”

Vaccine appointments for children ages five to 11 are not yet available. More information for this age group, including how to book appointments through the provincial booking system, will be coming soon. Clinic locations and hours will also soon be available at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ChildCOVID19Vaccine. To support children’s access to the vaccine, most appointments available through Ottawa Public Health will be protected in the booking system for five to 11-year-olds. 

Ottawa Public Health will continue to offer immunizations through the existing 10 neighbourhood vaccination hubs, and increase the number of its community clinics from four to seven, operating seven days a week:

• Coming soon – Nepean Sportsplex Curling Rink – 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
• Coming soon – former St. Patrick’s Intermediate School – 1485 Heron Road
• Coming soon – Rideauview Community Centre – 4310 Shore Line Drive
• University of Ottawa – Minto Sports Complex – 801 King Edward Avenue
• JH Putman School – 2051 Bel-Air Drive
• Eva James Memorial Centre – 65 Stonehaven Drive
• Orléans Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA – 265 Centrum Boulevard

 Ottawa Public Health will introduce 73 after-hours school pop-up vaccination clinics on a rotating schedule over a four-week period, with capacity to immunize up to 10,000 children per week. 

“These school clinics are intended to serve residents of the community where they are located, and appointments are not required,” staff said. “Please check Ottawa Public Health’s website regularly for information about school pop-up clinic locations and hours of operation.”

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, in partnership with Ottawa Public Health, will host a clinic for First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members at Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre.

 CHEO will be offering pediatric clinics for children with medically complex needs. Vaccines for children ages five to 11 will also be available through select pharmacies and primary care providers.

“Ottawa Public Health is mindful that some children may be anxious and have a fear of needles,” staff said. “Immunizers understand and are trained to help your child have a comfortable experience. Children can bring their favourite stuffed animal and listen to music. Numbing spray is also available to reduce pain at the site where the vaccine is given, and privacy options will be available. There will be child-friendly signage and fun stickers will be given out. Consent by a parent or guardian will be required for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged five to 11. Children will not be vaccinated if their parent or guardian are not present.”

For children requiring accessibility support, parents and guardians can go online and complete an accessibility request form once appointments are made available through the provincial booking system.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children aged five to 11, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ChildCOVID19Vaccine.