News
EOHU Offering COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children 6 Months to 4 Years Old
2022-07-21
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) will be offering COVID-19 vaccinations for children 6 months to 4 years old by appointment only at all six of its offices, beginning on July 28th. Bookings open July 28th at 8:00 AM, and appointments can be made using the provincial booking system.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 4 years old was approved by Health Canada on July 14th and is given in two doses, 8 weeks (56 days) apart. Children must be at least 6 months old at the time of their appointment to receive the vaccination. Moderately to severely immunocompromised children 6 months to 4 years old should receive a three-dose vaccine series, with the third dose being administered 4 to 8 weeks after the second dose.
Keep your family safe
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for children aged 6 months to 4 years even if they have had COVID-19 previously, as immunity from COVID-19 infections decreases with time. The vaccine increases and extends the protection against reinfection and serious illness, including hospitalization. Vaccinating your child can also help protect other vulnerable members of your household, such as grandparents or immunocompromised family or friends.
“As a pediatrician, I know how important your children’s health and safety are,” shares Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “With Health Canada’s approval of the vaccine, I encourage parents to book their child’s appointment as soon as they are eligible. Although COVID infections are usually mild in children, there have been hospitalizations and severe infections in younger children as well. Vaccination is the best way to provide your child with protection against serious illness from COVID-19.”
Additional booster doses available for moderately to severely immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17
As of July 28th, moderately to severely immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also be eligible to receive their second booster dose (5th dose, including the initial 3-dose series) if at least six months have passed since they received their first booster (4th dose).
Appointments for children aged 6 months to 4 years old and youth aged 12 to 17 can be booked online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Your child’s doctor or primary healthcare provider, as well as your pharmacy, may also be offering COVID-19 vaccinations – please contact them directly for more information or to book an appointment.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.EOHU.ca/vaccines.
