With the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine now available for children aged five to 11, parents in Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton with questions about vaccinating their children will have an opportunity to have them answered on Thursday, December 2nd.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit is teaming up with local health care providers to offer a virtual panel discussion entitled “Fast Facts on COVID-19 Vacs for Kids”.
The session is designed to provide parents with information about the vaccine, how to prepare children for vaccination, potential side effects of the vaccine, and the ways to book a vaccination appointment.
“We know some parents are questioning the need and the safety of the vaccine, and this information session is the perfect opportunity to talk about those concerns and help clear up some of the misinformation and fear that may be circulating,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, the health unit’s medical officer of health.
“While children are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19, there are still many reasons why they need the protection offered by the vaccine.”
Dr. Bocking will be participating in the panel discussion along with Dr. Sheila Mae Young (a family physician in the City of Kawartha Lakes who will also be moderating the discussion), Dr. Emma Smith (a family physician with Northumberland Family Health Team), and Brooke Mountney (a public health nurse with the HKPR District Health Unit).
VIDEO: Fast Facts on COVID Vacs for Kids – December 2, 2021
The session will be livestreamed on YouTube from 6 to 7 p.m. on December 2.
For more information about the session, and to submit questions in advance, visit www.hkpr.on.ca/2021/04/30/panel-discussion/. Questions must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on December 1 to be included.
The health unit is also encouraging parents, guardians, and caregivers who have questions about the vaccine to speak with their own health care providers. They can also call the Provincial Vaccine Confidence Line at 1-833-943-3900 or visit the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service at sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids clinician.
