With a new school year fast approaching, Waterloo Public Health says it is encouraging families to ensure that their child’s COVID-19 vaccinations are up-to-date.
The agency notes that vaccines will lower the risk of serious illness from the virus.
“High vaccination coverage in schools and the community will also help reduce the severity of illnesses during the expected fall and winter waves of COVID-19, in addition to influenza and other respiratory illnesses,” the statement from WPH noted.
It says that keeping vaccinations up to date is the best way to prevent hospitalizations or death from COVID-19.
Kids between the ages of six months and five years became eligible to be vaccinated at the end of July, with vaccinations now possible at family doctors or pharmacies.
The region says it is also offering appointments at its vaccine clinics at 99 Regina St. in Waterloo or 30 Christopher Dr., although it is also welcoming walk-ins.
It says that those between the ages of five and 11 are also eligible to be vaccinated as only 53 per cent of kids in the area from that age group have had a dose while just 41 per cent have had two doses.
The region cautions that any child who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms should wait eight weeks before getting started with vaccinations.
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