The Region of Waterloo said they are working on plans for children between the ages of 5 to 11 to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Once approved by Health Canada, health officials in the region want the vaccine plan to be put in place prior to approval so the vaccine can be administered as quickly as possible.
The region will be working with local physicians, pharmacists and school boards on their vaccination plan for children. There will also be meetings for parents and families to help them prepare for vaccinations.
Since the start of the school year, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases among youth in the region. A total of 1,108 COVID-19 cases were among those nine year old and younger. Since then, approximately 50 more cases in that age range were reported, and approximately 63 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed among those aged 10 to 19.
At the beginning of September, local hospitals and health care centres in Waterloo Region and Wellington County released a statement saying staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 12. Although figures show an increase in number of vaccinated staff, the region and county said if staff members do not comply, they will be put on leave without pay.
As of Sept. 29, Waterloo health officials have confirmed 19,620 total cases of COVID-19, including approximately 297 deaths. Approximately 165 cases are considered active in the Region.
Kaitlyn Severin
Student Journalist of the Year - JHM award winner, Kaitlyn has worked previously as The Cord’s senior news editor. She’s also published articles for VICE and Shameless.