Parents in Sarnia-Lambton will have plenty of chances to get their children, aged 5 to 11, vaccinated for COVID-19.
Registration will open on Tuesday, November 23 for a number of clinics being held across the county over the next several weeks.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said it's important that all eligible children are vaccinated against COVID-19.
"There are many reasons for this," said Dr. Ranade. "To protect children against any long-term health effects or complications from contracting the virus, to reduce community spread, and to protect those around them who may be at a higher risk for serious illness."
Bluewater Health Chief of Pediatrics, Dr. Tom Lacroix said parents shouldn't be concerned about immunizing their children.
“The COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 has been tested rigorously, is safe, and is being used around the world," said Lacroix. "I strongly encourage all eligible children to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vast majority of side effects from the vaccine are mild, but most children don’t have any side effects at all. When considering long-term risks, a pediatric COVID-19 infection is a much more serious concern."
Dates of the clinics are listed below:
- Point Edward Optimist Hall (November 27)
- Family Friendly clinics at the Lambton College Event Centre (November 30, December 4, 7, 11, 14, 20)
- Primary care clinics at Rapids Family Health Team (Pontiac Drive clinic) (December 4, 11, 18, 28, 29, 30)
- School-based Clinics Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute, Petrolia (December 8) St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, Sarnia (December 9)
- Rural Clinics The Shores Recreation Centre, Forest (December 1, 8, 15) Wyoming Fairgrounds Building (December 2, 9, 16)
Appointments are required for all students, and can be booked at www.getthevaccine.ca.
The health unit said these dates are contingent on the delivery of youth vaccines to Lambton Public Health.