The Middlesex-London Health Unit announced today that it will launch the next phase of its paediatric COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with plans to host and support several child and youth-focused events over the next few days. In partnership with the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), the Health Unit will host a live, one-hour COVID-19 Vaccine Q & A session on Instagram at noon today, for parents and caregivers of children five to 11 years old. The session will be hosted by MLHU Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Alex Summers, and the Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Michelle Barton-Forbes.

The Health Unit also continues to add clinics to its Community Hub COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Schools schedule, with 10 clinics already scheduled this week and an additional 12 clinics scheduled through the end of February. In order to reduce potential barriers that may have prevented people from getting themselves and their children vaccinated, appointments are not needed for any of the school-based clinics. The Health Unit will also be hosting a Superhero Day at its mass vaccination and pop-up clinics scheduled for Family Day. Children, youth and their families are encouraged to dress up as their favourite superheroes and attend one of the four clinics running on Monday, February 21st. For a list of clinic hours and locations, visit www.healthunit.com/pop-up-vaccination-clinics.

The Health Unit has also developed resources for parents and caregivers to support them in making informed decisions about having their children receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Health Unit’s Children, Youth and the COVID-19 Vaccine web page includes information about vaccine safety, as well as resources to help parents and caregivers prepare children for vaccination. The Health Unit has also teamed up with local children to create a video titled Why did you get the COVID-19 Vaccine – Kids edition.

In addition to the many ways children and youth across the region can now receive their first or second dose of vaccine, those between 12 and 17 years old will also be eligible to book their booster dose at a mass vaccination clinic starting tomorrow, as long as it has been at least six months (24 weeks) since their second dose. To book an appointment, visit www.covidvaccinelm.ca.

For more information about Children, Youth and the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine-children-and-youth.

Media Contacts:
Beth Milne, Communications Supervisor, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0564

Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit