More than 6000 children aged 5 to 11 have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine

Key takeaways:

• At the city’s five immunization clinics, 6,134 kids received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech paediatric vaccine.
• Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, called it an “encouraging accomplishment.”

The city claims its vaccination campaign for youngsters aged five to eleven is off to a “successful” start, with more than 6,100 doses given out in the first three days at its clinics.

Between November 25 and November 27, 6,134 children received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech paediatric vaccine at the city’s five immunization clinics, according to a news release released Sunday.

In a statement, Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, called it an “encouraging accomplishment.”

Also read: Two cases of omicron COVID-19 variant have been reported in Ontario

“So many five to eleven-year-old heroes are standing forward to safeguard themselves, their families, and our entire community against COVID-19,” de Villa added.

“Our sincere gratitude to Team Toronto’s partners for their ongoing efforts to safeguard us all and assist us in ending this pandemic.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory also thanked the families that assisted their children in getting their shots.

“Our COVID-19 immunization strategy for Team Toronto Kids is off to a busy and successful start,” Tory added. “Thank you also to everyone who helped folks get vaccinated this weekend at Team Toronto clinics across Toronto.”

The city is urging parents who have not scheduled their children for vaccines to do so as soon as possible, stating that slots are still available for next week and the week of December 7.

It announced that it would be adding more than 9,600 appointments between December 14 and December 21.

The city has made changes to its clinics to make them more kid-friendly. Kids will receive a superhero-themed immunization passport, as well as stickers, coloring papers, and the opportunity to snap a selfie with a superhero.

The city said it would provide the total number of children who have got the vaccine at all places on Tuesday, with paediatric vaccines also accessible at hospital-run clinics, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, schools, and other locations.

“Seeing the relief on parents’ and children’s faces at our clinics is both emotional and inspiring after the terrible two years we’ve had,” said Coun. Joe Cressy, chair of the Toronto Board of Health.

“Now, after a strong start, all we have to do is keep fighting to get our kids, and the rest of the city vaccinated.”

Toronto saw 129 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the government.

Source: CTV News

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