Ottawa COVID-19 vaccination plan for children coming into focus

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) thinks it should be able to vaccinate every child between the ages of five and 11, against COVID-19, in about a month's time once the shot is approved by Health Canada.

Its plan, which was discussed during an OPH meeting on Monday, November 1, includes seven community vaccine clinics, which would be open seven days a week, as well as 10 community hubs which would be implemented in priority neighbourhoods.

OPH also plans to work closely with different school boards to implement pop-up clinics, which it says would be open during and after school hours.

During the meeting, Marie-Claude Turcotte, OPH’s immunization manager, explained that the priority with the plan will be to administer approximately 36,000 doses per week.

“Once approved and an adequate supply is available, our current planning scenarios projects being able to offer the vaccine to everyone who wants it within the
first four weeks,” said Turcotte. “Our goal is to reach 90 per cent.”

“Our work with schools and supporting communities is our top priority,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches said. “As well, vaccination of five to 11 year olds helps them to stay in school and benefit from the social and developmental supports they're provided from in-class learning.”

Dr. Etches added that getting the vaccine will also help to protect kids in the long term.

Once vaccines get approved for children aged five to 11, parents will be able to either book an appointment for their child through the provincial booking system or through their local pharmacies, where vaccines will be made available.