'Strong start': More than 6K kids aged 5-11 have received COVID-19 vaccine at city-run clinics
The city says its campaign to vaccinate children aged five to 11 is off to a “successful” start, with more than 6,100 doses administered at its clinics in the first three days.
In a news release issued Sunday, the city said 6,134 children received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine at its five immunization clinics between Nov. 25 and Nov. 27.
Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s medical officer of health, said in a statement that it’s an “encouraging accomplishment” for Toronto.
“So many five to 11 year old heroes are stepping up to protect themselves, their loved ones and our entire community against COVID-19,” de Villa said.
“Sincere thanks to Team Toronto partners for their continued efforts to protect all of us and to help us end this pandemic.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory also expressed his gratitude to families who helped their children get their shot.
“Our Team Toronto Kids COVID-19 vaccination plan is off to a busy and successful start,” Tory said. “Thank you as well to everyone working in all the Team Toronto clinics across Toronto this weekend to help people get vaccinated.”
The city is encouraging parents who have not booked their children for a vaccine appointment to do so, saying there are still slots available for next week and the week of Dec. 7.
It noted that it is adding more than 9,600 appointments for the week of Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
The city has transformed its clinics to be more child-friendly. Kids will be given a superhero-themed vaccine passport, along with stickers, colouring sheets and a chance to have their picture taken at a superhero selfie station.
With pediatric vaccines also available at hospital-run clinics, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, schools and other sites, the city said it will provide the total number of children who have received the vaccine at all locations on Tuesday.
“After the difficult two years we’ve been through, it’s both emotional and uplifting to see the relief on parents and kids faces at our clinics,” said Coun. Joe Cressy, the chair of the Toronto Board of Health.
“Now, after a strong start, we just need to keep working to get our kids and our city vaccinated.”
The province reported Sunday that Toronto logged 129 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.