Ottawa Public Health releases after-school COVID-19 vaccination clinic schedule

Ottawa residents can now find an after-school COVID-19 child vaccination clinic near them. 

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) released the schedule on Monday for its after-school clinics, which will run from Thursday, December 2, to Thursday, December 23. It says 73 schools will host clinics on a rotating schedule. 

Up to 10,000 appointments for children ages five to 11 will be available each week through these clinics.

After-school clinics are open to anyone born in 2016 or earlier who lives in a neighbourhood near the school. The child receiving the shot does not need to be students at that school. Parent or guardian consent is required for children ages five to 11.

OPH says drop-in appointments will be available on a first-come first-served basis during clinic hours. If the clinic is very busy, appointment cards may be given with a return time. Ottawa Public Health is working with Ottawa school boards to promote after-school clinics to parents and guardians, and students at the school, and to students at other nearby schools. 

OPH is also working with community partners to do door-to-door outreach in some neighbourhoods to give eligible residents appointment cards. 

Appointments through the provincial booking portal are not available for after-school clinics.

As we head into the winter holiday season, Ottawa Public Health encourages all eligible children to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect themselves and their family from serious illness, lower the risk of transmission, reduce disruptions to in-person learning and other activities and strengthen the entire community’s immunity. 

Other vaccination clinic options for five- to 11-year-olds include:  

• One of Ottawa Public Health’s seven community clinics
• Pharmacies – over 100 locations across the city are starting to offer vaccines to this age group. Find the nearest participating pharmacy for appointment hours and locations  
• Primary care – primary care physicians will be reaching out directly to their patients if they are offering COVID-19 pediatric vaccines in their offices
• CHEO – the hospital offers vaccinations to children with medically complex needs
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members – Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health will host a clinic at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre in partnership with Ottawa Public Health
• Inuit community members – Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team is providing vaccinations for Inuit youth; call 613-740-0999 for more information or to book an appointment
• Mobile teams – Ottawa Public Health is working with operators of congregate care facilities to administer vaccines on site
• Neighbourhood vaccination hubs – Ottawa Public Health operates 10 neighbourhood vaccination hubs across the city

Ottawa Public Health is working to make vaccination for younger residents and their families as easy and comfortable as possible, with new child-friendly signage and fun stickers to take home. Read Ottawa Public Health’s tips on how to prepare for your child's appointment, including giving children a snack beforehand and bringing a comforting toy or music to listen to.