Children’s COVID-19 vaccination in Eeyou Istchee starts November 25

1. Why should children get the COVID19 vaccine now?

• Children have endured significant and profound impacts in the pandemic. School disruptions, social isolation, fewer activities.
• Our young children have not been able to benefit from the protection vaccination offers.
• Vaccinating children in Eeyou Istchee and elsewhere is a major step forward.
• In Eeyou Istchee, children aged 511 make up onefifth of our population (about 2,500 children).
• Vaccination offers children protection against getting very sick. It reduces the chance of spreading the virus to people around them.
• When children are vaccinated, it will mean families and communities will be better protected.
• It means families can gather with more ease.
• Vaccination is a personal choice. We want people to get the right information, and talk about it with their families.

2. Many people have questions about the vaccine and children. I’d like to talk about a few of those questions now.

a. How safe is the vaccine?

• The Pfizer vaccine is safe for children aged 511, and it works.
• The vaccine was approved in Canada after a review of broad and thorough clinical trials involving hundreds of thousands of children in several countries.

b. How was it tested?

• Through clinical trials involving hundreds of thousands of children in several countries.
• This review was done to determine the vaccine’s safety for use with children, and the vaccine’s efficacy in protecting children against COVID19.
• The trials also show that the vaccine is highly effective (90,7% against symptomatic COVID19, 7 days after dose 2).
• Children produce a similar level of antibodies as older youth.
• Children who get a COVID19 vaccine will receive a smaller dose, about 1/3 of the dose given to adults and youth.

c. What are the side effects?

• Vaccinating children sometime involves side effects. Side effects are normal with all vaccinations. They are temporary, often mild and will pass.
• The common side effect was a sore arm.

3. What can parents, guardians and caregivers do to make vaccination more comfortable for their children?

• Talk to them about the process, and what will happen at the clinic before their appointment.
• Bring a favorite toy.
• Let them watch a video or favorite show during the appointment.
• The health board is offering colouring materials at the clinic for kids to use after their appointment.

4. Where will the vaccine be offered to children?

• At the CMC, and in some communities, at school. People should check with their school and CMC about where the vaccine will be offered.

5. How can people make an appointment?

• People can make appointments on Clic Sante.  Parents and guardians can also sign the consent form at the same time.
• They can also provide consent at the clinic, at the time of vaccination.

6. Will children be required to get a vaccination passport like older youth and adults?

At this time, NO. Children won’t need to get a vaccination passport with proof of vaccination.