Drive-thru clinics among initiatives planned for when COVID-19 jab is approved for kids

Vaccine task force looks at options to immunize residents age five to 11

WATERLOO REGION — Drive-thru and school immunization clinics are options being considered in Waterloo Region for when the COVID-19 vaccine is finally approved for children under 12.

“My goal is to have that plan in a nice little parcel so that when we do get that approval that we’re able to move quite quickly on it because I know that this vaccination for this group is top of mind for everyone,” said Vickie Murray, operations lead for the region’s vaccine distribution task force.

New data released this week shows the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective in children age five to 11.

There is no timeline yet for when it will be approved and available to that age group, but Murray said planning is underway to be ready for when it can be given in the region.

“This is perhaps the first time in the vaccine rollout where we can be a bit proactive knowing that something is coming and we want to take advantage of that, so we’re looking at the best ways that we can vaccinate this age group,” Murray said.

Efforts will include preparing educational material for families to start thinking about vaccinating young children before it’s available.

The large clinics will be a good option for some children, but the region is also looking at drivethru clinics and working with the school boards on vaccinating that age group in schools given their expertise in administering immunizations.

“It’s really going to be a collaborative effort,” Murray said.

The region’s vaccination efforts continue at a steady pace at about 1,000 doses daily. More than half of those shots are being given in pharmacies.

Nearly 4,500 third doses have been given to those at higher risk who are eligible, including longterm-care residents and cancer patients.

The Pinebush clinic will trial new evening hours, since they’ve found the Cambridge clinic is busiest on Wednesday evenings. This Monday, it will be open from 5 to 8:30 p.m., and those hours may continue if successful.

“For now, we will continue to monitor and adjust our clinic hours as needed to provide easy access to the clinics,” Murray said.

The buses also continue to make stops throughout the region. Both the buses and clinics operate as walk-ins and no appointment is necessary to get a first or second dose.

A total of 868,700 doses have been given to regional residents: 88.50 per cent of residents 12 and older received at least one dose, and 82.81 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang thanked all the eligible residents who are vaccinated.

“By each of you taking this important step in such high numbers, you have given a tremendous gift to your community,” Wang said. “And if you’ve not yet been vaccinated, it’s not too late to do so.”