Scotiabank Arena to host mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic for young kids Dec. 12
Nov. 4, 2020
Ontario
Ontario’s health officials are warning young people about the disease. The province is starting a new campaign to get everyone vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, and the first event will be on Dec. 12 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The immunization clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there will be free testing, information and education.
“The current outbreak of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of vaccinations to protect our families, our communities and everyone in Ontario,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott. “We want to prevent disease, save lives and ease the burden on our health-care system to get ready for an outbreak of this magnitude that could affect our entire province.
“The immunization clinic is the first step in our efforts to provide this essential public health service at a low cost,” said Dr. David Williams, the chief medical officer of health for Ontario. “Our hope is that we can reach more Ontarians to ask them to get vaccinated for the new epidemic while at the same time preparing them for potential illnesses in the future.”
People over 18 must receive proof of vaccination at the clinic; for example, a note from a doctor or nurse that describes the vaccine or a parent who has received the vaccine. The clinic will also accept nonmedical staff and students, as long as they have received written permission from a doctor or nurse, or a parent or guardian.
The vaccine, a quadrivalent (4 vaccine types) combination vaccine, is available for purchase, but will not be available for free or on a lottery basis. The vaccine is most effective if it is administered as soon as possible within 28 days, and not more than 30 days after the last dose. To ensure that the vaccine is available, the province has partnered with Immunize Now to provide the vaccine free of charge or at a reduced price.