Following the recent announcement from 'Health Canada' that vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 have now been approved, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit addressed to local press on Monday afternoon.

As of Tuesday, November 23 at 8:00am the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal will allow parents to book a vaccination appointment locally for eligible children.

The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only one approved for use in children in Canada.

This is as important next step in the fight against COVID-19 and, according the Dr. Paul, the vaccine is the "best way to ensure that kids get to be kids again". "I wholeheartedly encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated,” Dr. Paul urged. 

With fears over the potential long-term ramifications of the vaccine circulating online, the EOHU's Medical Officer reassured the public that the vaccine is "safe and will greatly reduce the number of outbreaks in schools. “[It will] allow children to resume their extracurricular activities as well and a growing number of sports leagues are making vaccines mandatory for all participants," Dr. Paul explained. 

Parents and guardian can now book an appointment though the Ontario's COVID-19 website, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1 833 943-3900. For children who have "barriers" preventing them form physically going to a clinic, parents and guardian can call the EOHU at 1 800 267-7120 to discuss alternate arrangements.

Regarding how many children the EOHU were hoping to see get vaccinated, Dr. Paul "would be happy with 80% [vaccination rate]" to ensure that the EOHU's vaccination rate hits to 90% target.