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SWPH Preparing for 12-17 Age Group Vaccinations

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 at 12:07

Southwestern Public Health has started preparations for welcoming teens and pre-teens to the mass vaccination clinics.

OXFORD/ELGIN/ST.THOMAS - Southwestern Public Health has started preparations for welcoming teens and pre-teens to the mass vaccination clinics.

Now that adults 18+ can register, it should only be a matter of time before the clinics open up to children between the ages of 12-17. Currently that age group is only eligible to receive the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine. 

Program Manager of the COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force Jaime Fletcher says there is a lot of preparation when a new group comes into focus, and this age band has many considerations.

“First is vaccine product: Pfizer-BioNTech is the only vaccine approved for youth aged 12 and older at this time. We are reviewing clinic hours and availability to give options that limit school disruptions for families. We will also be working closely with local school boards and Indigenous communities to ensure we can connect with youth quickly once they become eligible.”

Parents and caregivers can help by providing teens with credible vaccine research and letting them know they may not be able to book right away when things open up for their age group. Fletcher says we all need to follow public health guidelines, even after the first dose.

“We all need to temper our excitement to return to normal life with the realities that COVID-19 will be with us for a while longer.”

You can find more information on vaccine eligibility here. 

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