Three WC schools part of OPH after-school COVID-19 vaccination clinics

OTTAWA – The schedule is now available for after-school COVID-19 vaccination clinics and three West Carleton schools made the list.

From Thursday, Dec. 2 to Thursday, Dec. 23, 73 schools across the city will host vaccination clinics on a rotating schedule,” city staff released in a statement today (Nov. 29). “Up to 10,000 appointments for children ages five to 11 will be available each week through these clinics.”

After-school clinics are open to anyone born in 2016 or earlier who lives in a neighbourhood near the school and does not need to be students at that school. Parent or guardian consent is required for children ages five to 11.

After-school vaccination clinics will be held at three West Carleton schools including Huntley Centennial Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 15 (118 Langford Dr.), Stonecrest Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 18 (3791 Stonecrest Rd.) and West Carleton Secondary School on Thursday, Dec. 23 (3088) Dunrobin Rd.

“Drop-in appointments are available on a first come first served basis during clinic hours. If the clinic is very busy, appointment cards may be given with a return time,” staff said. “Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is working with Ottawa school boards to promote after-school clinics to parents and guardians, and students at the school, and to students at other nearby schools.”

OPH is working with community partners to do door-to-door outreach in some neighbourhoods to give eligible residents appointment cards. Appointments through the provincial booking portal are not available for after-school clinics. For after-school clinic locations and hours please visit: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/AfterSchoolClinics.

“As we head into the winter holiday season, OPH encourages all eligible children to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect themselves and their family from serious illness, lower the risk of transmission, reduce disruptions to in-person learning and other activities and strengthen the entire community’s immunity,” staff said.

Other vaccination clinic options for five- to 11-year-olds:  

• One of Ottawa Public Health’s seven community clinics
• 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  
• Primary care – primary care physicians will be reaching out directly to their patients if they are offering COVID-19 pediatric vaccines in their offices
• 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 is working with operators of congregate care facilities to administer vaccines on site
• Neighbourhood vaccination hubs – OPH operates 10 neighbourhood vaccination hubs across the city

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

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