General information for the algoma district
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News Release from Algoma Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Bookings to Open for All Children Aged Five to 11 in the Algoma district Following Health Canada’s approval of the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, children aged five to 11 will be eligible to book their appointment to receive the vaccine beginning Tuesday, November 23, 2021 in the Algoma district. Children turning 5 years old by the end of 2021 (born in 2016 or earlier) are eligible to receive a two-dose series of paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a recommended interval of eight weeks. Just over 7,500 children in the Algoma district are eligible to receive this vaccine. As of November 22, 2021, 82.5% of youth aged 12-17 in Algoma have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.3% of youth are fully vaccinated with two doses. Vaccinating children aged 5-11 will help protect children, their friends, and families in the fight against COVID-19. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR A COMMUNITY CLINIC Clinics will be offered across the Algoma district. If you live in Elliot Lake and area, please call the Elliot Lake Family Health Team to book an appointment at 1-705-461-8882 ext. 611. If you live in Sault Ste. Marie and area, Central and East Algoma or north Algoma, starting Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. you can book an appointment online or by phone. Phone: 705-541-7370 or 1-888-440-3730 Phone lines will be open Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Online: Visit our Vaccine Clinics in Algoma and click on your region to make an appointment online. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT A PARTICIPATING PHARMACY The COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five – 11 is also available from participating pharmacies. For FAQs and more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, as well as resources for talking to your child about the vaccine, visit our webpage: COVID-19: Children Aged 5-11 & Vaccines. Need a ride? Free transportation is available for families in Sault Ste. Marie to access COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Call PUC Services (705-759-6522) once you have an appointment time confirmed and they will help you book safe, free transportation to and from your appointment. Accessible transportation is also available. |
Strategies to make vaccinations less scaryAlgoma Public Health has accumulated a wealth of resources to reassure your child when it comes to getting vaccinated, please find them below!
still Hesitant? Consult.Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre 1-833-943-3900
Sick Kids COVID-19 Consult Service: Free phone consult service available to children and parents or guardians to answer questions about your specific situation and the COVID-19 vaccines. Book online or by phone. The SickKids CARDs system has a section of resources for parents and health-care providers, including a guide to improve the vaccination experience. VaxFacts: Free virtual consultation with a physician to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Open to all Ontario residents. Health Canada Website Some tips to improve your child’s experience include:
o Talk to your child about the health visit. Allow them to ask you questions. You can check this webpage for the answer and ask the clinic staff at your visit. o Acknowledge that your child may feel a “poke or pinch” that will go away quickly. It’s okay for your child to look at the vaccine if they want to. o Have your child decide on an item that they can bring to distract them from the needle (e.g., stuffed animal, video displayed on a phone, mobile devise with music, etc.). o Help your child get comfortable. Encourage them to bring a comforting item, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm, and sit in a comfortable position. o Take deep breaths together and try to stay calm. o Offer praise. Positive reinforcement works for kids of all ages. |
* As of November 19th, 2021, the vaccine has been approved for children 5-11.