Ontario is working with the federal government to confirm the timing of when children in the province can start receiving COVID-19 vaccines, says Health Minister Christine Elliott.
Today, Health Canada approved the vaccine for children ages five to 11. People may be able to book appointments as early as next week.
The approval is encouraging news as people move indoors for the winter, said Elliott in a statement issued with Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
She said there have been assurances from the federal government that there will be enough doses to vaccinate all eligible children.
"We are working with the federal government to confirm and finalize details on the specific timing of shipments, and we stand ready to begin distributing and administering doses as soon as they arrive," reads the statement.
The Porcupine Health Unit has said it will be ready to go when the children's vaccines were approved.
In a recent update, medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton said there are plans in place to administer the vaccine in ways that cater to young children and their families.
In the coming days, the provincial statement says parents will hear additional details from local public health units.
"Vaccines will be available through familiar channels such as select doctors' offices, hospitals, pharmacies and school-based clinics," it said.
"In addition, public health units will continue to offer vaccines through successful mass vaccination clinics. Parents will be able to book appointments through the provincial online booking portal for mass vaccination sites, including school-based clinics in public health units using the provincial booking system, starting early next week once we have received final details from the federal government and can confirm allocations for each health unit."
The Porcupine Health Unit does not use the provincial booking system. When appointments are available, they can be booked here.
