Dr. Jim Chirico is encouraging families with children ages 5 to 11 to get them vaccinated. The Health Unit is receiving dosages for youth and will start administering vaccines in the area on Sunday, November 28, for a Child and Youth Clinic at One Kids Place [400 McKeown Ave., North Bay] from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dr. Chirico understands it could be an issue for some parents but he believes families can do their research.
"It certainly is normal for parents to have questions and concerns, especially during this pandemic," said Dr. Chirico during Thursday's online media conference.
"It has been very difficult for them so what we really do encourage is that if you have a question please give us a call and chat with one of our experts as well there are many resources available. Sick Kids has a special consultation service available as well."
See related: Local Health Unit getting ready to administer children's vaccines next week
Chirico believes child vaccinations will make elementary schools a safer place to go.
"There are a lot of great benefits of getting a vaccine in that age group. Not just the direct ones but the indirect ones," said Dr. Chirico.
"Directly for the kids who have gotten COVID-19, to date, the number of kids who have had it, usually is asymptomatic or mild. But there are very few though who can get very sick from it so there is that benefit but even more compelling is being vaccinated will help in many other ways. We want to keep our kids in school, we don't want to disrupt their lives any more than it has been and vaccines can help prevent that.
"If we can keep outbreaks at school to a minimum, then what we have experienced in Ontario is the worst outbreaks are in elementary schools because the kids have not been vaccinated but if we can get these kids vaccinated and fully protected, it reduces the chances of disruption of the school.
"We know how important in-person school is for their physical, mental and emotional well being so having them vaccinated they would not have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone, they can continue to go to school. The family would not be disrupted - parents not being able to go to work. So there are many real benefits so we really encourage them to get vaccinated."
Dr. Chirico says they are confident this is going to be the best protection that we can give kids.
"Millions of doses have been given worldwide to children in these age groups and the risk of serious side effects is minimal and very rare. We feel the benefits far outweigh the risks."