Approximately 10,500 Guelph children aged 5-11 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

Guelph’s public health unit says about 10,500 children aged 5-11 in the city are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Health Canada is expected to announce approval of the Pfizer shots for children on Friday.

There are approximately 7,500 eligible children in Wellington County and another 5,500 in Dufferin County.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says its immediate vaccination target is about 70% of the eligible population, while their overall goal is 90% of children vaccinated against COVID-19.

On Thursday, the health official, Dr Nicola Mercer, announced a plan to vaccinate children in the region, under which the vaccine should be in children’s hands by the end of next week.

“We have said throughout the pandemic that our goal is always to be ‘ready, not ready,’” said Dr. “The childhood immunization program is another example. Our plan is to mobilize partners across the region to get children vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

The plan has three ways to get vaccinated: primary care providers, pharmacies, and community health clinics.

Most children will be vaccinated through a primary care provider, with many home health teams and local doctors already starting to book appointments, the health unit said.

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Like immunizations for adults, public health will also host central clinics in more populated areas, mobile clinics in smaller communities, pop-up clinics, clinics in schools, accessible clinics for children who need them, and clinics in child care facilities and treatment centers.

“This is a huge step forward for our region,” said Dr.

“I share the enthusiasm of parents and residents in the area that we are at the cutting edge of protecting our children against COVID-19. It represents one of the important steps left to end this pandemic and return to a more normal life. “

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