Sent on Behalf of the Ministry of Education

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

Vaccines are safe, effective and are the best way to protect your child, your family, and your community from COVID-19. Vaccines will help students and families to safely resume normal activities as soon as possible.

 

Health Canada has authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for youth aged 12 and up. Ontarians aged 12 to 17 are now able to book an appointment for a free first dose of the vaccine. There will also be special “youth and families clinics” happening throughout the weeks of June 14 and 21. Depending on where you live, some clinics will offer appointments and others may be drop-in clinics.

 

Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or none at all. However, some children with COVID-19 can get very sick. Children can also spread COVID-19 to other people. Vaccinating children protects them from getting sick and reduces virus spread within their household and the community.

 

To help your child and your family to make an informed decision, the Government of Ontario has developed a fact sheet based on expert medical advice and scientific information. It covers several key areas including:

 

• Safety of the vaccine for youth
• Why vaccination is important
• Effectiveness of the vaccine for youth

 

As well, we have dedicated webpage that outlines how to book and prepare for your child’s vaccination appointment. It provides information about the province’s current plan for youth vaccinations, answers key questions around safety and effectiveness, and provides links to external sites for more information. You and your child are also encouraged to talk to your health care provider or contact your local public health unit if you have questions about the vaccine.

 

Supporting your child to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is an important step in the fight against this disease. It will be a key factor in helping our school community return to a sense of normalcy and will benefit overall physical and mental health for children, youth and their families.