The following information is provided by Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health, Chatham-Kent Public Health…

January 11, 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,

RE: Vaccination of Youth Aged Five to 11 Years

Over the last month, CK Public Health has been providing youth aged five to 11 with the Health Canada approved pediatric Pfizer vaccine. Although the initial uptake within the community was encouraging, our local vaccination rates have since declined. Currently, only 33% of eligible Chatham-Kent youth aged five to 11 have received their first dose.

These low numbers are troubling, as COVID-19 infections in children are not always mild. Low vaccination rates in schools pose a larger risk of outbreaks, which increases the likelihood of interruptions to in-person learning.

The academic, mental, and social benefits of in-class learning are large, but they must not come at the expense of physical health and well-being of students and staff in schools. When it comes to protecting children against serious illness, hospitalization, and long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms, including the highly contagious Omicron variant, vaccination remains the best defense.

The pediatric Pfizer vaccine provided to children aged five to 11 is a lower dosage than what teens and adults receive. To increase convenience and accessibility, we are now welcoming walk-ins for the five to 11 age group at the Bradley Centre Clinic in addition to the appointment booking option.

Clinic details can be found by visiting www.CKPublicHealth.com/Clinics or by calling 519-351-1010.

The best shot that we can give our children is this one. 

Sincerely,

W. David Colby, MSc., MD, FRCP (C) 
Medical Officer of Health
CK Public Health