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Media Release
July 21, 2022
Southwestern Public Health Preparing to Welcome Children Between 6 Months and 5 Years for COVID-19 Immunization
Following Health Canada’s approval of Moderna Spikevax for children under the age of five, Southwestern Public Health is preparing to welcome the youngest community members to its COVID-19 vaccination clinics starting July 28, 2022.
“The high level of vaccination across Ontario has reduced the number of hospitalizations and the pressure on our health care system and allowed the lifting of many of the public health restrictions we lived under for two years,” says Laura Anguish, Program Manager, COVID-19 Vaccine. “We continue to encourage vaccination for all ages as it remains the best way to protect yourself from the ongoing pandemic.”
COVID-19 vaccines don’t prevent all cases of infection; however, they significantly reduce serious symptomatic illness, hospitalization, and death. According to the Ontario Science Table, the risk of hospitalization is reduced by more than 70% when you have at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Since 2020, more than 1000 children between the ages of 0 - 4 have been hospitalized in Ontario.
This vaccine is administered in a two-dose series given eight weeks apart. The vaccine is most effective starting 14 days after the second dose.
Parents of children in this age group must note that routine childhood vaccines are not recommended to be given within 14 days of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions about the order in which your child should be vaccinated, please speak to your primary care provider.
Children under the age of five are welcome at Southwestern Public Health’s family-friendly fixed and mobile clinics starting July 28, 2022. Appointments are NOT available. All vaccination is by walk-in only. Clinic dates, times and locations are updated frequently at www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine
Currently, Go-Vaxx buses do not vaccinate children under the age of 5.
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About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Media Contact:
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca
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