Recent data from Public Health Ontario shows that nearly half of all COVID-19 cases in the Algoma Public Health region over the past two weeks are under 12 years old.
Of the 13 active cases reported in the public health region over the past 14 days, four reported cases were within the 0-4 age range with another two reported cases in the 5-11 age group, according to the Ontario COVID-19 Data Tool.
Dr. John Tuinema, associate medical officer of health and director of health protection for Algoma Public Health, says that vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
“Not everyone is eligible to be vaccinated at this point, so it is important for everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated to protect those who cannot yet be immunized,” said Tuinema.
“Further study, data, and review is needed before children aged 5-11 can be vaccinated. This is part of the process of careful scrutiny of vaccine development to ensure they are safe and effective.
“In order to protect children as well as their loved ones who may be at greater risk, we must remain diligent in following measures that are also effective in prevention such as wearing masks, physical distancing, and staying home when you are sick.”
More than 80 per cent of Canadians over 12 are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As vaccines continue to help slow infections in teens and adults, the infection rate among kids has climbed.
The first COVID-19 vaccine for kids under the age of 12 could be in front of Health Canada's review team in just days, with Pfizer expecting to begin distributing a new pediatric formulation of its vaccine shortly after it gets the green light.
- with files from The Canadian Press