by the LGL Health Unit
Benefits of getting the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children
The COVID-19 vaccine protects children from becoming sick with COVID-19, and particularly from becoming so sick that they need to be hospitalized. While fortunately not very common, some children have died from the COVID-19 infection. Some people (including children) are reporting ‘long-COVID’ – breathing problems, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms that last for months or more – even if their initial infection from COVID-19 was not severe.
Children who are vaccinated against COVID-19, then help to protect other, more vulnerable people in their lives, like babies, and grandparents – making family gatherings less risky for everyone involved.
Fully vaccinated children (14 days after receiving their second dose), who are exposed to someone with COVID-19, can still go to school or childcare as long as they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Otherwise they need to stay home for up to 10 days.
Children getting vaccinated will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among others in the classroom, sports team, or other activities.
How the COVID-19 Vaccine was approved for Children:
Health Canada did a thorough and independent review for safety, efficacy and quality for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children. They took into consideration the benefits versus risks for both the vaccine and for COVID-19 infections specific to this age group.
How to Prepare your Child for getting Vaccinated:
Kids are pros at getting vaccinated. They have been doing it since 2 months of age – and several times over. Our clinic staff also have a lot of experience vaccinating children in this age group. Parents know their children best and can decide how to approach the preparation based on the child’s age and personality, but most children benefit from clear, age-appropriate communication. Here are some ideas that can help:
Ages 5 to 7:
Give a brief step-by-step description of what to expect. Rely on the power of play. Little kids process their emotions through play, so send some stuffed animals or dolls to the “doctor” or “nurse” for their vaccines before it’s time for the kids to go! Keep their hands busy and their minds occupied to work through their anticipatory anxiety. Apply ice to the injection site before and after the shot. Encourage them to have a light snack before the appointment.
Ages 8 to 11:
Kids in this age group might have more detailed questions. Give honest answers and seek additional information if you aren’t sure how to answer. Empathize with them and listen to their concerns. Empower your big kids to write a list of questions to ask the nurse or doctor at the appointment to ease their worries. Have your child create a playlist to listen to during the appointment.
Plan to watch an interesting video (cue it up so you don’t have to search!) or use a favorite app.
Encourage them to have a light snack before the appointment. Needle fear can be common for children.
Second doses are recommended 8 weeks after the first dose. You can book the second dose appointment on-site after your child receives their first dose. A single dose does not provide adequate protection so it is important to get the second dose.
What to bring to the appointment:
Child’s health card/OHIP card (even if it’s expired). If no health care is available – bring another form of ID like a birth certificate if possible. Immunization record (if available)
Something to distract and pass the time (headphones with music, electronics, book, favourite stuffy or fidget toy). Small peanut-free snack for after. Mask that covers the mouth, nose and chin. Child should wear a loose fitting or short sleeved top with easy access to the upper arm. A parent or guardian (parental or guardian consent is required).
See the accompanying list of participating pharmacies. Check to see if they are offering vaccines for children and to make an appointment.
Kemptville pharmacies offering vaccinations
Auremeds Compounding Pharmacy, 215 Sanders St. Unit 105.
Vaccine Type: Pfizer (age 12 or older in 2021)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: closed.
Phone number: 613-258-4777. Website: www.auremeds.com.
Kemptville Drugmart, 2600 Highway 43, Unit 19-20.
Vaccine Type: Pfizer (age 12 or older in 2021)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Phone number: 613-258-0777.
Shoppers Drug Mart, 2727 Country Road 43
Vaccine Type: Pfizer (age 12 or older in 2021); Paediatric Pfizer (age 5 to 11 in 2021)
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: covid-19.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en.
Somerville Family Pharmacy,
11 Somerville Road
Vaccine Type: Moderna (age 25 or older)
Hours: Sunday: closed; Monday -Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
Phone number: 613-258-2800; Website: www.pharmachoice.com.
Your Independent Grocer, 2600 Hwy 43 West, Unit 1
Vaccine Type: Moderna (age 25 or older)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: yourindependentgrocer.ca/covid19.
For all of these locations, call or visit their website to check if you need an appointment, or if walk-in (first come, first served) vaccinations are available.
Merrickville pharmacies offering vaccinations
Merrickville Drug Mart, 112 Wellington Street East
Vaccine Type: Pfizer (age 12 or older in 2021)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone number: 613-269-4737; Website: www.pharmachoice.com.
Remedy’s Rx Merrickville Pharmacy, 105 Broadway St. West
Vaccine Type: Pfizer (age 12 or older in 2021)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Phone number: 613-269-3773.
For these locations, call or visit their website to check if you need an appointment, or if walk-in (first come, first served) vaccinations are available.
