Please find below a message from Toronto Public Health regarding the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old below and here, including details on how to book vaccine appointments, now available, online or by phone.
Message from Toronto Public Health
Dear Parent or Guardian:
As of November 19, 2021, Health Canada approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old. Vaccines will be available at clinics in Toronto beginning Thursday, November 25. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your child, your family, and your community. It is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of getting, spreading and becoming seriously sick from COVID-19.
Preparing children to get vaccinated: Parents/guardians are encouraged to speak to their child about getting vaccinated including the benefits of the vaccine and how to prepare for the clinic visit, including tips to ease any fears. See How to Talk to Kids about Getting Vaccinated (French) to guide your conversation. Parental/guardian consent will be required.
Vaccination Clinics for children: Clinics will be available in many locations including at City-run locations, schools, hospitals, pharmacies and some pediatric and family physicians' offices.
Booking an appointment: Beginning Tuesday November 23, 2021, at 8 a.m., bookings for 5 to11 year olds will be open at the city-run clinics through the province's online registration system or by calling 1-833-943-9300, including in multiple languages. To book an appointment online, children must be turning five years old by December 31, 2021 (born in 2016).
Ontario health card not needed: Children who do not have a health card must bring some form of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate. They can get vaccinated at a pharmacy or hospital clinic, or contact Toronto Public Health to get a COVID ID to book through the province's online registration system.
Upcoming education sessions for parents and caregivers: Toronto Public Health (TPH) invites parents and guardians to upcoming town halls about COVID-19 vaccines for this age group. For information on how to join or past recordings visit: Benefits of Being Fully Vaccinated - Learn from the Experts.
Parent/guardian/caregiver resources available:
Child-friendly resources to help cope before and after vaccination:
- Reduce the Pain of Vaccination in Kids and Teens: A Guide for Parents
- AboutKidsHealth: CARD System Learning Hub
- Tips for Easing Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Fears
- AboutKidsHealth: Comfort Promise
- Needles Don’t Have to Hurt
Please continue to visit our website at: www.toronto.ca/COVID19 to stay up-to-date. Information specific to school communities is available at: COVID-19 school information for parents & caregivers and on vaccines COVID-19 Vaccines. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call our Hotline at 416-338-7600, Monday to Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Interpretation services are available. If you need immediate health care assistance, please call Telehealth Ontario 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-797-0000.
Thank you for all that you are doing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Sincerely,
Eileen de Villa, MD, MBA, MHSc, CCFP, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health