The Grey Bruce Health Unit is providing initial vaccine coverage data and feedback, gathered from parents and guardians, from the first week of five to 11 year old COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
As of the morning of December 2, 2021, 1,171 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to those between the ages of five and 11years in Grey and Bruce. This segment of Grey Bruce has an estimated population of 13,005 (based on Statistics Canada 2020 Population Estimates), which translates in to an approximate first dose coverage rate of 9%.
For a list of clinics, please view the Clinic Schedule (https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/COVID19/Weekly_Vaccine_Schedule.pdf).
Many appointments remain available for these clinics. To book, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, or go online at How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment (ontario.ca). Appointments can also be made at participating primary care providers and pharmacies in Grey Bruce.
All Grey Bruce Health Unit vaccine clinics accommodate those five to 11 years of age with an appointment. Additionally, pediatric clinics have been specifically designed to provide a welcoming and safe environment for families to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Those administering the vaccine have experience in giving vaccines to children, and are able to provide practical ways to keep the children and their family at ease. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about their concerns and describe what to expect at their appointment before attending the clinic. Children are welcome to bring small distractions like a favourite toy or stuffy, music, or a colouring book to make their appointment more positive. Movies will be playing in some clinics as an added distraction. The first 500 visitors to these clinics even received a fun parting gift for their bravery!
Pediatric clinics are being delivered thanks to partnerships with municipalities, school boards, volunteers, the Vaccine Task Force, and many other contributing partners
A special thank you must go to the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s vaccine team, led by Public Health Manager, Jennifer Rollinson. They have developed, planned and operated these clinics, while in the midst of the Influenza vaccine roll out and while continuing to offer the COVID-19 vaccine for those over the age of 12 years – including third doses to select groups.
“In the face of a challenging pandemic, the constant change, and growing fatigue, my team has been able to rise to the occasion time after time” Says Jennifer Rollinson – Public Health Manager for the Vaccine Program. “I cannot thank the team enough. Without them, this would not be possible, and the smiles that we are creating would not be there. I cannot speak highly enough about the team’s skills, professionalism, and effort and everyday I am more proud to be a part of this initiative.”
The public can stay up-to-date with local vaccine data by reviewing the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s Vaccine Data Overview (https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/COVID19/Vaccine_Data_Overview.pdf).
The Overview will soon be modified to include the number of doses given to the newly eligible group of age five to 11 year olds and will be updated regularly.
