Some Ontario Health Units Are Letting 5 To 11-Year-Olds Get Their 2nd Vaccine Doses Sooner
They're cutting the waiting periods down.
With kids going back to schools for classes next week, some of Ontario's public health units have given the green light for 5 to 11-year-olds to get booked in for their second doses sooner.
Ottawa Public Health and Hamilton Public Health services are now allowing second dose appointments to be booked in 21 days following their first dose appointments.
"For children aged five to 11, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends an eight-week interval between first and second doses, as evidence shows this schedule produces a stronger and longer-lasting immune response," Ottawa Public Health Unit's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches, wrote on January 12.
"However, a shorter interval of no less than 21-days has been shown to be safe and effective."
"Parents who wish to book their child at a shorter interval have the option to do so by calling the provincial booking line at 1-833-943-3900."
A spokesperson for Hamilton Public Services told Narcity that the evidence for longer waiting times between first and second doses shows a stronger immune response as well as a longer and higher vaccine effectiveness, however are also allowing parents to book at a shorter interval.
"Based on the NACI recommendation, Hamilton Public Health Services advises community members that eight weeks is recommended for best immune response and decreased risk fo myocarditis and/or pericarditis, however and as per our clinical protocol and with informed consent, Hamilton Public Health Services permits bookings or walk-ins of a 21-day interval between first and second doses (local COVID-19 vaccine clinic information can be found at www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine)," a spokesperson for the City of Hamilton Public Health Services shared with Narcity via email.
"Community members may wish to consult their family's general practitioner, pediatrician or local pharmacist to understand benefits and risks."
OPH will be giving out second doses at these shorter intervals if they have informed consent, as well as Hamilton Public Health Services.
Students all over the province will be heading back to class on Monday, and leading into the return to in-person learning, the Ontario government detailed some of the back-to-school measures that they will be taking.
Part of which includes rapid antigen testing and according to the seven-page document, a pause on "routinely notifying students/pupils in classes with a positive case, or if a child/student or staff is absent due to symptoms associated with COVID-19."