Windsor-Essex parents can book COVID-19 vaccines for children under five years old next week

The pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages five to 11 is a much smaller version than the adult dose. (Siobhan Morris/CTV News)

Windsor-Essex parents will be able to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children under five years old next week, according to the provincial government.

As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will be able to book for the paediatric version of the vaccine made by Moderna.

Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).

“The approval of a lower dose paediatric Moderna vaccine will give families the opportunity to provide an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 for the youngest members of their families,” said Minister of Health Sylvia Jones.

“Getting vaccinated remains the best defence against COVID-19 and I encourage parents with questions to reach out to their health care provider, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre or the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to make an informed choice for their family.”

Over the next several days, paediatric vaccines are being distributed across the province and will be available through public health unit clinics, as well as participating paediatricians, primary care providers and pharmacies.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit issued a statement on Thursday.

“The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit recommends parents and caregivers speak with their child’s healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the many vaccines that are administered in childhood and should be coordinated with other childhood vaccines. In addition, parents and caregivers can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse," said the statement.

Starting July 28, appointments will be available through the COVID-19 vaccination portal and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units using their own booking system, participating primary care providers and paediatricians, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.