'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
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.