Hamilton public health won’t extend vaccine eligibility to 11-year-olds

Hamilton public health says it does not plan to extend COVID-19 vaccination to 11-year-olds turning 12 this year.

As of now, Hamilton will continue to vaccinate those youth 12 years old or older," said spokesperson Jacqueline Durlov in an email to The Spectator.

About 24 hours after the Middlesex-London Health Unit announced it would offer vaccines to anyone born in 2009 - which would include youth who are currently 11, but turning 12 this year - it reversed its decision.

Please be advised the #MLHU will NOT be extending COVID-19 vaccination to those who are not yet 12 years old," the public health unit tweeted Friday morning.

The public health unit previously said extending eligibility to 11-year-olds would be part of its effort to maximize protection against the emerging COVID-19 Delta variant and get as many youth vaccinated as they return to school."

In the Middlesex-London area, nearly 60 per cent of those ages 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated, and more than 80 per cent have received a first dose.

In Hamilton, about 55 per cent of youth ages 12 to 17 were fully vaccinated and 71 per cent had a first dose as of Aug. 13.

Hamilton's board of health heard on Wednesday that the city's adult and youth vaccination rates are lagging" compared to other public health units and the province. Forecasting shows those age 59 and younger will be the hardest hit in the fourth wave.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com