Toronto launching info campaign for parents ahead of child COVID-19 vaccinations
Toronto Public Health is rolling out resources to help parents of young children prepare for the approval of COVID-19 shots.
The city's top doctor says clinics for children aged five to 11 are being considered at mass vaccination sites, community clinics and schools.
Dr. Eileen De Villa says she's hopeful vaccines will be approved for that age group in the coming weeks and the city is in planning mode with partners at pharmacies, hospitals, doctors' offices and schools.
The city is also launching a toolkit for parents and guardians to share reliable information about COVID-19 vaccination and address questions about the shots.
De Villa says the city will be running town halls and information sessions for parents in the coming weeks.
Her comments came days after Pfizer-BioNTech asked Health Canada to approve its COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of five and 11 -- a request the regulator has said it will prioritize reviewing.
Shots can be offered to that age group once the regulator gives the green light.
De Villa says vaccination of children is a well-established practice that has become "clouded" through social media during the pandemic.
"It is important that those with questions are able to get reliable answers to them to fully understand the protection that comes with vaccination," she said at a Wednesday news conference. "The vaccination of children aged five to 11 is safe, protective and necessary."
De Villa said while it's typically true that children don't experience COVID-19 illness the same way adults do, "it is not guaranteed," citing figures from Alberta that showed intensive care admissions among children had risen by 23 per cent since last month.
She also noted that infections among children can spread to others who are vulnerable to severe illness.
"If you have a child who will become eligible for vaccination in the coming weeks, please get them vaccinated,' she said.
"You are protecting them, you are protecting your family and yourself and you are protecting grandparents and elders who could become sick."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.