February 9th, 2022

The following is a message from Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, to parents and guardians of children aged five to 11:

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in helping us to keep our schools open and safer for in-person learning.

Vaccines are safe and continue to be the best way to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. Getting as many of our residents vaccinated is also important for the protection of our youngest children (0-4) years, who are not yet able to get the vaccine.

Clinics for 5 – 11 year olds and their families are being held across the Region. These clinics provide first and second doses to children. A parent or guardian must come with the child to a clinic. First, second and booster doses are also available to household or family members. All clinics are walk-in only, no appointments. You and your child can also visit a pharmacy in your community to receive a vaccine. Please visit RegionofWaterloo.ca/GetaVaccine to see a listing of all clinics and participating pharmacies.

Preparing Your Child for Vaccination

While COVID-19 vaccines are safe, we understand you or your child may have questions about the vaccine. Please speak to your child about why it is important to get vaccinated against COVID-19. If your child has a fear of vaccination, please visit COVID-19 Vaccines for Children. If you have questions about COVID-19, vaccines for children and youth please read the Vaccine Information Sheet for Children or you can book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids clinician by visiting COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service.

Thank you for your ongoing support to help keep our schools open and our community safer for all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang,
Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services