Sault and area school boards holding vaccination clinics; APH says vaccine safe for children

The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (H-SCDSB) are rolling up their sleeves in terms of getting vaccines into the arms of students ranging in age from five to 11 years old.

“School boards and local public health units have been asked to organize COVID-19 vaccination clinics for children aged 5-11, which will include clinics during the school day,” said Fran Walsh, ADSB spokesperson in an email Wednesday.

The public school board is working with Algoma Public Health (APH) and two other Algoma District public health units within the board’s area to finalize details around offering vaccination clinics within some ADSB schools.

“We are considering clinics both during school and after-school hours abiding by all public health guidelines. School locations in Sault Ste. Marie have not yet been finalized, however we are considering locations of greatest need and will communicate with our families when we have the details,” Walsh said.

“The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board is working with Algoma Public Health, Porcupine Health Unit, and Public Health Sudbury & Districts on in-school vaccination clinics,” said Rose Burton Spohn, H-SCDSB director of education.

To date, three Huron-Superior board schools have scheduled upcoming clinics. These include:

• Our Lady of Fatima, Elliot Lake – Wednesday, Jan. 19
• Our Lady of Lourdes, Elliot Lake – Tuesday, Jan. 25
• Sacred Heart, Espanola – Monday, Feb. 7

While some parents across the province have expressed hesitancy about the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 11 years old, APH says the shots are safe.

“COVID-19 vaccines like Pfizer undergo a rigorous review process by scientists. The paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (10 micrograms) was fully approved by Health Canada as a safe and effective vaccine for children 5-11 years of age,” said Roylene Bowden, APH immunizations manager.

“The vaccines themselves do not cause COVID-19 infection, rather, they help our body to recognize the virus, subsequently building up our immunity. The benefits from being vaccinated include reducing your risk of developing COVID-19, or making the symptoms more mild if you do get it. Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect your child and family from COVID-19, including its highly contagious variants,” Bowden said.

“As per Algoma Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine survey of parents/guardians of 5-11 year olds in Algoma that was conducted from October to November 2021, 63 per cent of Algoma parents/guardians intended to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19, with vaccine confidence being highest in Sault Ste. Marie and Elliot Lake and area respondents.”

APH states that as of Wednesday, 55.2 per cent (4,357) of eligible children aged 5-11 in Algoma have received at least one dose, and 10.9 per cent (856) have already received a second dose.

Children aged 5-11 are strongly encouraged by APH to get their second dose of paediatric Pfizer vaccine eight weeks after their first dose to provide the best protection against COVID-19.

That advice is based on evidence that suggests a longer interval between doses results in stronger immune response and higher vaccine effectiveness that is expected to last longer, Bowden said.

As far as availability of the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine is concerned in the APH area, vaccine appointments and walk-in opportunities are available across the district. Paediatric Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5-11 is available at district-wide community clinics.

For more information, click here.

The paediatric vaccine is available at participating primary care clinics, pharmacies and First Nation community clinics.

For a list, click here.

If you live in Elliot Lake and area, please call the Elliot Lake Family Health Team to book an appointment at 1-705-461-8882 ext. 611.

If you live in Sault Ste. Marie and area, Central and East Algoma, or North Algoma, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic page for upcoming clinics.

To book for an upcoming clinic, you can call 705-541-7370 or 1-888-440-3730, or book an appointment online. Phone lines are open for booking from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

APH says resources are available for parents with questions or concerns about the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine.

The Scarborough Health Network’s VaxFacts Clinic is ready to connect parents with doctors who are ready to talk, listen, and help you get the most accurate information. Free one-to-one phone consultations with a doctor are available. To book a phone appointment, call 416-438-2911 ext. 5738 or book online.

The Hospital for Sick Children is also offering free COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Services with paediatric registered nurses for residents of Ontario five years old or older and their parents, caregivers, or legal guardians who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. To book a phone consult, call 437-881-3505 or 1-888-304-6558, or book online.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 11 years old, parents may go to this website.