Waterloo Region says it has thousands of COVID-19 vaccination appointments available for those aged five to 11 that can be booked through its website.

“Parents/guardians of 5-11-year-olds are strongly encouraged to get their children vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible,” Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health, stated.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children ages 5-11.”

While there has been a rush to create new appointments for those getting a third dose, the region has continually set aside some for people in that age group.

The region says more than 45 percent of kids in that age group have now been vaccinated, although the number of new vaccinations has slowed of late with that total only having increased by one percent over the past week.

For those that have gotten their children the first dose of vaccine, the region says they can get a second dose at a shorter interval.

While the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a second dose eight weeks (or 56 days) after the first, the interval can be shortened to as little as three weeks (or 21 days).

A third dose has only been recommended for children with a small number of immune-compromising conditions.

Related Articles:

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• Some Kids Should Get Shorter Vaccine Interval Amid Omicron Risk Experts Say
• Toronto Immunization Clinics Adding 30,000 Appointments Using Moderna Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for Ontario Children Aged 5-11 to Open Tuesday
• 1,500 Appointments for Pediatric Vaccines Made in Error At Alberta Pharmacies

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