COVID-19 Vaccine Bookings Now Open For Children Aged Six Months to Under Five Years

Issued: Wednesday, July 27, 2022

The Ministry of Ontario has announced that approval has been received from Health Canada for the use of a lower dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children aged six months to five years of age. A two-dose series given at least eight weeks apart is recommended.

Although children are less at risk than older people from COVID-19, some may still develop a severe infection, may require hospitalization, and may develop longer-lasting symptoms and health problems from a COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, having this age group vaccinated will help prevent the virus from spreading to other people, especially those who are at risk for more severe illness.

Health Canada has thoroughly reviewed all evidence and scientific data. They concluded that the vaccine is safe and that the benefits of getting vaccinated and being protected against COVID-19 far outweigh the risks of any side effects from the vaccine.

Parents and caregivers with questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse.

Immunization of this age group is offered through most primary care providers as well as through health unit clinics. Parents who choose to have their children vaccinated in the health unit’s clinics require an appointment. Appointments can be booked online at phu.fyi/covid-vaccine or by calling the health unit at 1-800-461-1818.

More vaccine clinics are being planned in the PHU region over the next few weeks.  Stay tuned to the health unit’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed for information. Thank you for your patience.