Hamilton reserves COVID booster appointments for kids

Hamilton public health says it has reserved more than 1,700 COVID-19 booster appointments for kids aged five to 11 in early September - in time for students' return to the classroom.

The province announced Wednesday kids in the age group are now eligible for a third dose of the vaccine.

With Hamilton students heading back to class and taking part in more indoor activities come the fall, we're encouraging all Hamilton families to get vaccinated ... as an important part of their back-to-school planning," Hamilton medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson said Wednesday in a statement. Getting vaccinated, including a booster dose when recommended, remains the most important way to protect against COVID-19 and its health effects."

Reserved appointments will be offered at Lime Ridge Mall on the Mountain, which has a dedicated area for families, and at mobile clinics across the city from Sept. 1 to 3 and Sept. 6 to 10. Parents can book an appointment starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

Families can also book an appointment with Winterberry Family Medicine in Stoney Creek and local pharmacies offering booster doses for the five-to-11 age group.

Health Canada approved a first booster dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged five to 11 earlier this month. Public health says kids can get boosted about six months after their second dose.

As of Aug. 29, 37.5 per cent of kids in the age group have completed their primary vaccine series, which includes a first and second dose. Overall, 80.5 per cent of Hamiltonians have received a second dose.

Public health says other routine pediatric vaccines should be administered at least 14 days before or after the COVID shot.

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com