Over 1,500 kids get first doses at ‘Toronto Kids Vaccine Day’

More than 1,500 kids rolled up up their sleeves at a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children aged five to 11 on Sunday.

According to Joe Cressy, City councillor and Toronto Board of Health chair, 1,536 first doses were administered at Toronto Kids Vaccine Day – a superhero-themed clinic held at Scotiabank Arena. A total of 2,000 appointments were available for the event.

“Superheroes. Every single one of them,” tweeted Cressy. “This vaccination campaign is a moment to be proud of. Be proud of these kids, Toronto.”

While the goal was a serious one, the event was meant to be a relaxing and fun environment with special guests, balloons and other activities.

“If we don’t vaccinate our children they will continue to COVID and spread it to others,” said Dr. Vinita Dubey, Toronto’s associate medical officer of health. “This is important because it’s fun, it’s kid friendly and a great way for kids to come and get vaccinated.”

While the parents and children who attended the clinic were eager to roll up their sleeves, that isn’t the case for all families.

“Our five to 11-year-old population, that population has seen the single biggest rise in COVID cases across Ontario which really highlights the importance of getting the kids protected,” said Dr. Lennox Huang, a critical care physician at SickKids who was at the clinic on Sunday.

Heading into the weekend, the City said more than 67,000 doses of the vaccine had been administered to children aged five to 11 – around 29 per cent of those being first shots.

Appointments are available by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 or through the online booking portal.