Time is running out for youth to get vaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of the school year

By Alex Goudge

The top doctor for the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit is calling on those between the ages of 12 to 17 to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible to ensure that they are fully immunized against the virus ahead of the start of the school year.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Paula Stewart, says three weeks between doses of the vaccine is required for that age group, along with an additional two weeks after the second dose for the vaccine to fully take effect. 

Most schools are slated to resume in six weeks' time.

Stewart says vaccinating this age group is not only to protect them but to also ensure those under 12, who are currently ineligible for any COVID-19 vaccine, are protected from the virus.

“Every single person that is around those younger children, they have almost a responsibility to be immunized so they can protect them,” Stewart told CityNews Ottawa Monday. “That absolutely includes siblings in the family that are in that 12 to 17 age group.”

The top doctor adds there are several vaccine appointments currently available, while all clinics within the health unit are also open for walk-ins. 

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