By Sue Tiffin

While Health Canada has approved the COVID-19 vaccine for children five and older, Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge district health unit, said she understands parents might have questions about the vaccines.

“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,” said Bocking. “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.” 

The health unit is hosting a virtual meeting with a panel of local health care providers on Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a recording available after the meeting to help share information on COVID-19, and the vaccine approved for children. The panel includes Bocking as well as family physicians and a public health nurse.

“Children can contribute to the spread of the virus at home and in other settings,” said Bocking. “In order for us to most effectively build community protection against COVID-19, we need to get as many people across all age groups, including children, fully vaccinated.”

The information session is designed to provide information about the vaccine, how to prepare children for vaccination, potential side effects of the vaccine, and the ways to book a vaccination appointment. With the variety of panelists, parents can have their questions answered and will receive information from public health representatives, as well as family physicians.

Visit hkpr.on.ca for more information on how to view the session and pre-submit questions.