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⚠ Everyone aged five years or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting your vaccine
Learn more about Ottawa Public Health's plan to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages five to 11 years old | ||||||||||
Drop-in to one of our clinics to talk to a public health nurse or get a COVID-19 vaccine for anyone age five and up! The priority for the after-school clinics are children aged five to 11 years, their families and household members in the surrounding community. Those living in the surrounding area who still need a first, second or booster dose (if eligible) of COVID-19 vaccine are also welcome. Getting your vaccination will give you greater protection against serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. At Ottawa Public Health clinics, children aged five to 11 years of age will be offered the 10-mcg dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Per the Ministry of Health, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 10-mcg dose is preferred to start or continue the primary series among children this age over the Moderna (Spikevax) 50-mcg dose. This recommendation from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization is based on the higher number of adolescents and young adults who experienced myocarditis/pericarditis after receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (100 mcg dose) versus with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (30mcg dose). The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available upon request at Ottawa Public Health clinic, with informed consent, as an alternative to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 to start or continue the series in children aged six to 11 years of age. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health Vaccination clinics.
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Booking a vaccine appointment | ||||||||||
Everyone aged five years or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Learn how to get a vaccineAppointments and drop-ins:To support children's access to the vaccine, most appointments available through Ottawa Public Health will be protected in the booking system for five to 11-year-olds. Additionally, our recommendation is to book an appointment for each child or family member who is eligible for a vaccine. Anyone who does not have a scheduled appointment will be considered a drop-in. If members of the same family have appointments at different times, on the same day or different days, they can all be vaccinated together at the time of the earliest appointment. Who can receive first, second or third doses of the vaccine?
If your child does not have a valid health card but is eligible for a vaccine, please call Ottawa Public Health at 613-691-5505 to book an appointment.
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What is the optimal interval between the first and second dose for 2-dose COVID-19 vaccines for children? |
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The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is eight weeks.
References National Advisory Committee on Immunization (2021). Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. (March 17, 2022) NACI statement: Recommendations on the use of Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 to 11 years of age Ministry of Health (2021). COVID-19 Vaccine Administration, Version 2.0. |
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Can anyone attend an after-school COVID-19 vaccination clinic to get a COVID-19 vaccination? | ||||||||||
The priority for the after-school clinics are children aged five to 11 years, their families and household members in the surrounding community. Those living in the surrounding area who still need a first, second or booster dose (if eligible) of COVID-19 vaccine are also welcome. Or, please visit our Community Clinics section to find other clinic options available to you. |
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If my child has symptoms or was told to self-isolate can they still go to their vaccine appointment? |
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No. If your child has COVID-19 symptoms or has been told to self-isolate then their COVID-19 vaccination appointment should be rescheduled to a later date. Screening for our vaccine clinics is the same as for schools and daycares in Ottawa. In other words, if your child is permitted to go to school or daycare, then they can attend their vaccine appointment. If you are still unsure if they can attend, please complete the COVID-19 screening tool for school or child care. | ||||||||||
Reducing pain during vaccination |
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Needles can be scary (and not just for parents). Here are some helpful ways to help reduce pain for your child when they get their vaccine. Prepare your child ahead of time
Distract your child
Position your child in an upright positionHold your young child securely in a comforting hug, sitting upright on your lap, facing forward, or facing you (front to front), with the arm exposed. Lying flat on their back during an injection, or being held too tightly, can be scary for children and can increase their fear. Older children can sit alone if they wish, with the arm exposed. If your child continues to move, ask your healthcare provider about the proper hold technique that is safest for your child. Following the vaccineYour child may feel minor pain at the injection site or feel unwell 24 – 48 hours following their vaccine. You can give Acetaminophen to help with pain. For any unexpected side effects please contact their family care provider, consult your post vaccine care handout and the After your COVID-19 vaccine (Ministry of Health) handout. |
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Will children aged five to 11 be vaccinated without parent or guardian consent? | ||||||||||
Consent by a parent or guardian will be required for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged five to 11 at all OPH clinics. Children will not be vaccinated if their parent or guardian are not present. If a parent or legal guardian can not attend the child’s appointment with the child, in person, they have the option of filling out the online COVID-19 Vaccine Children/ Youth consent form. The parent/legal guardian will need to print the entire form, review it and sign it. The parent/legal guardian must write their phone number on the consent form where it states “parent/legal guardian phone”. The signed paper consent form must be brought to the appointment with the child. The parent/legal guardian must be available for a phone call from the OPH clinic staff to verify the consent form. Please read the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet: For Children (age five to 11) before the child’s appointment. |
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Take a tour of our COVID-19 vaccination clinic |
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How to prepare for your vaccination appointment |
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Why should children get vaccinated?
Importance of vaccination |
English: Deciding to vaccinate your child against COVID-19 - Help from an Ottawa paediatric doctor - YouTube Français (French) : Décidez-vous de vacciner votre enfant contre la COVID-19? - L'aide d'une pédiatre d'Ottawa - YouTube Arabic: You tube - تحتاج أن تقرر بخصوص تلقيح طفلك ضد كوفيد-۱۹ ؟ شاهد هذا الفيديو لأخصائية أطفال بأوتاوا Farsi: You tube - هستید COVID-19 چنانچه در حال تصمیم گیری برای انجام واکسیناسیون کودک خود در مقابل Español (Spanish): Decidir a vacunar a su hijo contra el COVID-19 – Ayuda de una pediatra de Ottawa - YouTube |
Five to 11 COVID-19 Vaccination – Parent testimonials |
English: Why I chose to vaccinated my five to 11-year-old child against COVID-19 - Rana's story English: Why we chose to vaccinate our children - Anita and Michael's story Français : Pourquoi j'ai choisi de vacciner mon enfant de cinq à 11 ans - L’histoire de Nenette Somali: Maxaa aan utallalay ilmayhaga 5 ilaa 11 jirka ah - Marian's story English and Nigerian: Why we been decide make we vaccinate our pikin - Anita and Michael's story Lingala: Ponanini nazuaki likanisi yako mema bana na ngai ya 5 to 11 bazua mangwele - Nenette's story لماذا اخترت تطعيم طفلي |
Info session on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids five to 11 |
This video was recorded in reference to the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg dose) COVID-19 vaccine. Alex Munter, president and CEO of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario is joined CHEO Dr. Anne Pham-Huy and Ottawa Public Health's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches as well as public health nurse Katie Souliere to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination of kids aged five to 11. |
The health impacts that COVID-19 has on children |
Children account for about 13% of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in Ontario and make up about 19% of Ontario’s population. The most common way children become infected is through close contact with a confirmed case. COVID-19 affects children differently than adults. There is a lower percentage of COVID related hospitalizations, ICU admissions, deaths, and severe complications/outcomes with children. The impact of COVID-19 infection may be lesser, but the mental impact on children has shown to be very significant. COVID-19 has resulted in loss of in-person school and reduced social interactions with peers meaning increased stress and negative mental health for children. Vaccination is a means to ensuring children can continue their routines of daily life and not miss out on important things. |
What is the difference between ‘natural immunity’ and ‘vaccine induced immunity’? Should I still get my child vaccinated if they have already had a COVID-19 infection? |
Natural immunity (immunity from exposure) is when the body creates protection against a virus once your body has been exposed or infected by it. Natural immunity means the body has some form of defence against a virus due to exposure or infection – not due to a vaccine. With COVID-19 exposure or infection, natural immunity can protect you, but we don’t know how well or for how long. We do know that whatever protection the body has gained weakens over time. Vaccine induced immunity (immunity from a vaccine) is the body’s defence against a virus after getting a vaccine. This a more controlled way (through clinic trials, testing and surveillance) to provide immunity against a virus without the harmful risks of being infected. This is especially true with COVID-19 infection which can cause serious and long-term illness and death. Getting a COVID-19 infection can be very risky, even for children (see post-COVID symptoms). Being infected means you can spread it to others, and some people will develop serious illness, complications or require hospitalization from COVID-19 There is still much we don’t know about this virus and its long-term effects on the body. COVID-19 is still present in our community, and variants like Omicron and its sub-variant BA.2 are very contagious, causing a lot of illness in our homes, schools, and child care settings. Choosing to get vaccinated as soon as your child is eligible (including booster doses) will provide the best protection from serious illness and complications from COVID-19. It is recommended to be vaccinated even after a COVID-19 infection. Children should wait at least eight weeks after symptoms began or, a positive test result if there were no symptoms. Find out where to get your child vaccinated. |
Do children who are up to date and who received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including any booster dose(s) have to self-isolate or get tested if exposed to COVID-19? |
Please see the Information for those who have symptoms, test positive for COVID-19 and high-risk contacts web page for more information and self-isolation instructions following exposure to COVID-19. |
What is the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 11 years of age? |
Vaccine efficacy is a representation of how well a vaccine will work at preventing illness caused by a particular virus. Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty 10 mcg COVID-19 Vaccine: A clinical trial showed that beginning 1 week after the second dose, the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty® COVID vaccine was about 90.7% effective for those five to 11 years old. However, the clinical trial was conducted prior to the emergence of Omicron. Emerging evidence from cohort and case-control studies indicates that COVID-19 vaccines have substantially lower vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection for Omicron and related variants due to partial immune escape. A recent cohort study showed two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of Omicron infection by 31% among children aged 5–11 years. Protection against more severe COVID-19 outcomes including hospitalization is better maintained over time. Moderna Spikevax 50 mcg COVID-19 Vaccine: According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), in Phase 2/3 clinical trial for Moderna Spikevax (50 mcg) conducted in the US and Canada when the Delta variant was predominant, preliminary efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 was 88% starting 14 days after dose 1, which is comparable to the efficacy of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine in children aged 5-11 years. For more information please see, COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. Please view Ottawa Public Health’s Vaccine Effectiveness FAQs and the Health Canada website for more information. |
Vaccine safety, approval and myths
How do I know that vaccines are safe? | ||||||||||
Health Canada has one of the most rigorous scientific review systems in the world and only approves a vaccine if it is safe, works, and meets the highest manufacturing and quality standards. Vaccines undergo a comprehensive review of their safety, quality and efficacy (how well they work) before they are approved and can be used in Canada. After approval, vaccines are continually monitored through a “vaccine safety surveillance” to ensure their safety. Ottawa Public Health is involved in this surveillance process by investigating all reports of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs) and reporting them to Public Health Ontario. An AEFI is a serious or unexpected reaction that happens after someone receives a vaccine, which may or may not be caused by the vaccine. In Ontario, health professionals like nurses and doctors are required to report AEFIs to their local public health unit like Ottawa Public Health. For more information on this process you can visit Public Health Ontario’s website. |
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How the vaccines are studied and tested for children and youth | ||||||||||
Health Canada evaluates drugs and vaccines before they can be sold in Canada. They also monitor real-world evidence while they are on the market. When a company decides it would like to sell a drug or vaccine in Canada, it files a submission with Health Canada. A new drug submission contains detailed scientific information about the drug's safety, efficacy and quality. Health Canada scientific reviewers evaluate data to assess the potential benefits and risks of a drug or vaccine. They also review the information that will be provided to health care practitioners and consumers about the product. After the review, they may authorize the drug or vaccine for sale in Canada only if the benefits of the product outweigh the potential risks. Learn more about the drug and vaccine authorizations for COVID-19 on Health Canada's website. |
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What are the side-effects of the vaccine in kids and how can I support my child to deal with them? | ||||||||||
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (10 mcg): There were no serious side effects related to the vaccine reported in this age group. Local reactions including pain, redness and swelling at the injection site were very common. They were mostly mild to moderate in severity. The local reactions generally started about 1-2 days after receiving the vaccine and lasted about 1-2 days. Other reactions included:
These reactions occurred more frequently after the second dose and were mild to moderate in severity. They generally started about 1 to 4 days after either dose of the vaccine and lasted about one day. Find more information about Reducing pain during vaccination. The Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine (50 mcg): According to NACI, interim findings from Phase 2/3 clinical trial conducted in the US and Canada did not indicate any safety concerns. However, any rare adverse events would not be known due to the size of the trial. Per the Ministry of Health and in accordance with NACI, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is preferentially recommended in this age group. It is common to have temporary side effects following vaccination. Local reaction at the injection site include redness, soreness and swelling. The local reactions generally started 1-2 days after receiving the vaccine and lasted about 3 days. Other reactions include:
If someone experiences an adverse event following immunization (AEFI), they should report it to a healthcare professional (e.g., family doctor). An AEFI is an unwanted or unexpected health effect that happens after someone receives a vaccine, which may or may not be caused by the vaccine. There is a safety system to monitor for AEFIs and to investigate them. You can find more information on what is done if someone develops an adverse reaction here: If a person develops an adverse reaction, what should be done? For more information, please visit: |
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What is the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis from the COVID-19 vaccine vs from COVID-19 Infection for children? |
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COVID-19 affects children differently than adults. There is a lower percentage of COVID-19 related hospitalizations, ICU admissions, deaths, and severe complications/outcomes with children. But children with COVID-19 infection are at risk of MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome). MIS-C is a rare but serious syndrome that can occur several weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Myocarditis and pericarditis can also occur as a complication of COVID-19 infection in children, but this is rare. In Canada, there have been reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in people 12 years and over who received the 30mcg dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or the 100mcg dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. It is important to note that the risk is rare. In adolescents and young adults the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis with Moderna Spikevax (100 mcg) was higher than with Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (30 mcg). Currently, the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis in children following immunization with the recommended five to 11-year-old 10mcg dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is unknown. Similarly, the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis with the Moderna Spikevax (50 mcg) in children 6 to 11 years of age is also unknown. Based on the studies done so far, myocarditis and/or pericarditis were not detected. Safety surveillance data from individuals aged 12 and older does not suggest the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination would be greater in children aged five to 11 years compared to older populations. Also, data from older age groups also suggests that an extended interval between the first and second dose (at least eight weeks) may also be associated with a reduced risk of myocarditis/pericarditis following a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Children who have a history of myocarditis unrelated to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination should consult their health care provider for recommendations. Please seek medical attention if your child develops symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations following immunization with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization) will continue to monitor and review the emerging evidence on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. They will update their recommendation, as well as its strength, as the evidence base evolves. For more information, please read: |
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Can my child get their COVID-19 vaccine if they have recently received another vaccine or will be getting one soon? | ||||||||||
At this time, based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Ottawa Public Health will not be providing co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11, with other vaccines. This means that when your child receives their COVID-19 vaccine, they will not be given other vaccines at the same time. NACI recommends that children receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (10 mcg) at least 14 days before or after another vaccine. This is a precaution to help to determine if a side effect that may arise is due to the COVID-19 vaccine or another vaccine. There may be circumstances when a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine need to be given at the same time. A healthcare provider can help with this decision. There are no specific safety concerns when routine vaccines are given at the same time or within days of each other. There could be stronger, temporary side effects when a COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine are given at the same time or within days of each other. Ottawa Public Health recommends that children receiving their COVID-19 vaccine follow the NACI guidance and :
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Can children who have already tested positive for COVID-19 get a COVID-19 vaccine? | ||||||||||
Yes. According to the NACI Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccination timing for individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 children with a previous COVID-19 infection may be offered two doses of the vaccine. For individuals five years and older with a previous COVID-19 infection, it is suggested, they can receive the vaccine eight weeks after symptoms began, or after positive test result (if no symptoms). This interval applies to an infection before a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well an infection that may occur between doses. If a child experiences a COVID-19 infection prior to their second dose, they should wait eight weeks after symptoms began, or after the positive rest result (if no symptoms). New evidence shows that a longer interval between a COVID-19 infection and vaccination is associated with improved antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Children with a history of MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) may be vaccinated once they have recovered or once it has been more than 90 days since diagnosis, whichever is longer. There is no information that suggests that antibodies from a recent COVID-19 infection would interfere with vaccine efficacy. Vaccination continues to be very important, as individuals previously infected with COVID-19 may remain at risk of Omicron infection. Numerous reports have documented the risk of reinfection with Omicron is higher than risk of reinfection with previous variants. |
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My child is 11 years old. Should I wait until they are 12 years old and get the ‘larger’ dose, or get the dose that is available to them now? | ||||||||||
No, you should not wait until your child is 12 to get the ‘larger’/adult dose. Children should get the first COVID-19 vaccine that is available to them. At Ottawa Public Health clinics, children who are 11 at the time of their appointment will receive the 10-mcg dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The 10-mcg pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech formulation of the vaccine has been assessed for safety in the five to 11 year old population in clinical trials and these trials did not indicate any serious safety concerns. Alternatively, eligible children 11 years can receive the pediatric Moderna Spikevax 50 mcg dose. According to NACI, the use of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg dose) is preferred to start or continue the primary vaccine series. The 10 micrograms (mcg) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is approved for use in children aged five to 11 years, compared to the 30-mcg vaccine which is approved for adolescents and adults 12 years of age and older. The Moderna Spikevax 50 mcg dose is approved for use in children aged 6 to 11 years, compared to the 100 mcg dose approved for adolescents and adults 12 years of age and older. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), clinical trial data indicates the pediatric formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (10 mcg) produces a good immune response in children 5-11 years of age, similar to the response seen in young adults 16 to 25 years of age who receive the adolescent/adult dose (30 mcg). Health Canada has authorized the use of Moderna (Spikevax) 50 mcg vaccine for children aged six to 11 years. Individuals aged 6 to 29 years of age can request Moderna (Spikevax). It can be accessed with informed consent, acknowledging that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is preferentially recommended due to the elevated risk of myocarditis/pericarditis associated with the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine. |
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Can I ask that a smaller dose be given to my child if they are smaller for their age or a larger dose if they are bigger for their age? |
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Ottawa Public Health will be following the vaccine recommendation based on age and not weight in their clinics. This approach is based on their training and how the companies are saying vaccines should work. The 10 micrograms (mcg) Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine is approved for use in children aged 5-11 years, compared to the 30-mcg vaccine which is approved for adolescents and adults 12 years of age and older. The Moderna Spikevax 50 mcg dose is approved for use in children aged 6 to 11 years, compared to the 100 mcg dose approved for adolescents and adults 12 years of age and older. If you have a particular concern about your child, please talk to your family doctor and/or a health practitioner. |
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What vaccine should my child get if they are 11 years old for the first dose and they turn 12 when they are eligible for the second dose? | ||||||||||
Your child can get the 10 microgram (mcg) dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for their first dose then receive the 30-mcg dose of the adolescent/adult vaccine for their second dose when they turn 12. Alternatively, your child can get the 50 mcg dose of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 for their first dose and receive the 100 mcg dose of the adolescent/ adult vaccine for their second dose when they are 12. It is important to note that, according to NACI, the use of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10 mcg dose) is preferred to Moderna Spikevax (50 mcg dose) to start or continue the primary vaccine series. According to NACI, children who receive the pediatric formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (10 mcg) for their first dose who turn 12 by the time of their second dose will receive the adolescent/adult formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (30 mcg) to complete their primary series. For more information: See the FAQ: My child is 11 years old. Should I wait until they are 12 years old and get the ‘larger’ dose, or get the dose that is available to them now? Health Canada has authorized the use of Moderna (Spikevax) 50 mcg vaccine for children aged six to 11 years. Individuals aged 6 to 29 years of age can request Moderna (Spikevax). It can be accessed with informed consent, acknowledging that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is preferentially recommended due to the elevated risk of myocarditis/pericarditis associated with the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine. |
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There is so much information about vaccines. How do I know what is true? | ||||||||||
With so much information at your fingertips, it can be challenging to know what to believe. Be it online or in print, make sure the information you are reading is up-to-date, and from a credible source. Talk about the information you have read with a trusted health care provider, like your family doctor or an Ottawa Public Health nurse. The Canadian Paediatric Society provides some helpful tips to help you evaluate your immunization information. |
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Vaccine myths | ||||||||||
Vaccine confidence is an important focus for Ottawa Public Health. Vaccine misinformation is widespread and can be a deterrent to vaccine confidence. We are here to provide trustworthy, science-based information to help you understand why Ottawa Public Health promotes vaccines as an important, reliable and safe way of protecting you and your loved ones from vaccine preventable diseases. Here are some common myths about COVID-19 vaccines
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Resources
- New: Want to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine for Children? (PDF - 148 KB)
- New: Parents, have you done your homework?
- Paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions
- CHEO, COVID-19 immunization for children and youth
- Kids Come First
- Vaccines for children: COVID-19 - Canada.ca
- Child and Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet
- COVID-19 vaccines for youth
- Immunizations for children
- Youth Kids Health First COVID-19 Vaccines for Ontario Youth
- SickKids : COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service
- Health Canada Statement
- A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination
- COVID-19 infection in children
- SickKids, COVID-19 impact on child & youth mental health
- Kids Health First
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