KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit will be holding vaccination clinics in local elementary schools for students aged 5-11 years.
Parents were notified of the clinics in a letter from the Health Unit, sent home on Friday night. The letter states the clinics will be taking place during the school day starting on February 22.
According to the letter written consent is required.
“Written consent is required for students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Your child will not receive the COVID-19 vaccine if we do not have a signed consent form.” states the letter.
This differs from the vaccination clinics held in the fall for students in secondary school.
“Under the definition of Informed Consent as part of the Health Care Consent Act, if it is determined that the student understands the information and has made an informed decision, the permission of the parent is not needed for any medical decision.” Chandra Tremblay, Communications Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit told Kawartha 411 News in September.
40.56% of children ages 5-11 in the City of Kawartha Lakes have received one dose of COVID vaccine to date.
The Health Unit says vaccination continues to represent the most effective strategy to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
“Through these targeted clinics we will be able to support additional vaccination among kids in this age group.” says the Health Unit.
