November 24, 2021
Following Health Canada’s approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age, Newfoundland and Labrador will now initiate Newfoundland and Labrador’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan for children 5 to 11 years of age. It is anticipated vaccines will arrive in the province by November 26, 2021. Should vaccine be available earlier, additional appointments may be added in some locations as early as November 25.
Appointments are now available through the COVID-19 vaccine booking website. If an appointment is not available in your area at this time, please continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccine booking site. Vaccines will also be offered in schools.
To be fully vaccinated children will require two doses of COVID Vaccine, with a minimum of 8 weeks between doses. The vaccine must be offered at least 2 weeks (14 days) apart (before or after) from any other vaccine (i.e., the flu shot)
Parental consent will be required for all 5–11-year-old vaccines. Parents may choose to have their children vaccinated in a public health mass clinic or in the child’s school. Parents who wish to have their child vaccinated in a school must complete the vaccine consent form and return it to the school prior to planned school clinic date. If children have a signed consent form and are present on day of immunization they can be vaccinated in the school. All required details will be communicated in advance through the school.
The goal of the plan is to reduce severe illness and death due to COVID-19 by immunizing as many children in this age group as quickly as possible. Vaccination is a means to ensure children can continue their routines of daily life and not miss out on important things such as attending school.
There will be no availability for walk-ins so individuals are encouraged to book an appt by clicking here or calling 1-833-961-3749. There will be NO Walk-in appointments for any COVID Vaccination clinics until further notice.
You should not take part in a walk-in clinic or schedule an appointment for a vaccine if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Instead, complete a COVID-19 Assessment and referral by clicking here.
While waiting for your opportunity for vaccination, and after vaccination, it is important for everyone to continue to follow public health guidance to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your communities including:
Wearing a mask in public
Washing your hands frequently
Respecting public health guidance on gatherings, travel and quarantine
Completing the online self-assessment at https://www.811healthline.ca/ or calling 811 if you are experiencing one or more symptoms of COVID-19 to arrange testing.
Central Health will continue to communicate as additional vaccine information becomes available and more clinics are set up. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit Health Canada. For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
Gayle St. Croix
Director of Communications and Government Relations
Central Health
