More than 6,100 eligible kids vaccinated over first 3 days of Toronto campaign

More than 6,100 children between the ages of five and 11 have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Toronto’s five city-run clinics.

The City says since Thursday, 6,134 doses have been administered as part of the Team Toronto Kids COVID-19 vaccination campaign since it was made available to the age group.

More children were also vaccinated through the broader Team Toronto network of vaccination clinics including those run by hospitals, community health centres and more than 110 primary care providers and pediatricians.

“What an encouraging accomplishment for our city. So many five to 11-year-old heroes are stepping up to protect themselves, their loved ones and our entire community against COVID-19,” said Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa.

RELATED: Kids 12+ will need to be fully vaccinated to play competitive winter sports: TDSB

City officials say almost 50,000 appointments have been made available for children aged five to 11 as of November 25 up to December 11 at the city-run immunization clinics. The City says due to increased demand, an additional 9,690 appointments have been added to the provincial booking system for the weeks of December 14 and December 21.

As well, more than 28,000 appointments at the city-run clinics are being made available for individuals 12-plus looking for first, second and third doses.

On December 12, #TeamToronto is hosting Toronto Kids Vaccine Day at @ScotiabankArena!

I encourage parents to book their vaccine appointments for their kids and come out to this superhero-themed special event. Book here: https://t.co/e5JSvWjSxD pic.twitter.com/TdhkCA1V8j

— John Tory (@JohnTory) November 29, 2021

Mayor John Tory announced that on December 12, as many as 2,000 Toronto youth will have an opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at Scotiabank Arena as part of Toronto Kids Vaccine Day.

Tory says in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and Scotiabank, there will be giveaways, music and entertainment throughout the day. Toronto Kids Vaccine Day will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Toronto Kids Vaccine Day is all about bringing some of our city’s superheroes right into the exciting and inspiring Scotiabank Arena to get their vaccine. During the entire planning process of bringing the vaccine to kids, we have wanted to create a positive experience,” Tory said.

“Nothing says this more than being at Scotiabank Arena and in the presence of some of our city’s favourite mascots. This effort has been made possible from all of our partners who all share the same goal in getting our kids vaccinated to help protect them from COVID-19. I encourage parents to book their vaccine appointments for their kids and to come down to Scotiabank Arena on December 12.”