The Regional Municipality of York is asking all five to 11-year-olds and their families to grab their favourite stuffed bear and beach wear for a Beary Beachy Family COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19 at St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic High School in Vaughan.
“Throughout the pandemic we have learned that COVID-19 infections can have serious consequences for all age groups and on community transmission, and this is particularly true given the recent increase in cases and the Omicron variant,” said Dr. Barry Pakes, York Region’s medical officer of health.
“We are excited more than 30 per cent of York Region children age five to 11 have already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and we are working toward having more than half our children being vaccinated by the end of our Beary Beachy Event. This age group currently represents the highest incidence rate of cases in the community and vaccinating them is our best strategy to ensure school can re-open safely in the new year.”
This dedicated clinic will offer a family-friendly opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and enjoy some special perks in the process, he added.
Longer appointment times and additional support from specially trained and caring health care providers will be available to help make the vaccination process as comfortable as possible for children and families.
The clinic will operate both days from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and vaccinations are available by appointment only.
The Beary Beachy Family COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is one of many vaccination clinics in York Region. Appointments are available at a range of locations and times. New appointments are added daily.
To book an appointment visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675; interpretation services are available.
Individuals visiting vaccination clinics in York Region are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather. If you are coming in your favourite beach wear, consider also wearing a warm coat. To ensure all appointments are available to those who are eligible, residents should book only one appointment per person and cancel any appointments they do not intend to use.
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Protecting our youth and preventing the limiting the impacts of COVID-19 remains extremely important, and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be recommended for all eligible individuals, including youth five years of age and older, Pakes said.
If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, speak to your health care provider or call York Region’s Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 to speak with a public health nurse.
