Children receive COVID-19 vaccine in Ottawa as efforts continue to immunize all residents

OTTAWA – A big day for nine-year-old Aiden Schulz as he receives his first COVID-19 vaccine at CHEO, despite his fear of needles.

“I feel nervous and a little scared,” Schulz said.

Aiden’s mother, Tracy, chose the CHEO clinic hoping the smaller environment would make her son comfortable.

“The hospital is for children and I have been there before,” said young Schulz.

The two were preparing for the date based on their past experiences with other shots.

“We had to hold it back,” said Tracy Schulz. “He lost him for an hour… I found him sitting on my lap, my sister and mother must have pinned him. That’s how he got the flu shot.”

The first weekend of the pediatric immunization clinics saw over 5,000 doses administered in Ottawa as the 5-11 year olds rolled up their sleeves.

However, the pressure to get beatings in the arms of Ottawa residents over the age of 12 continues.

Ottawa Public Health reports that 91 percent of residents 12 and older have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 88 percent have two doses and are considered fully immunized.

Parts of the city are reporting higher vaccination figures than other areas. The Ottawa Neighborhood Study Update indicates that in some neighborhoods the numbers hover around 70 percent.

For example, the vaccination rate in Ledbury – Heron Gate-Ridgemont has one of the lowest vaccination districts in the city at 71%. However, the latest figures show an increase of almost four percent through November.

“I think the key is not to push,” said Kelli Tonner, executive director of the South East Ottawa Community Health Center.

Tonner suggests that these numbers are a direct result of outreach, pop-up clinics and information sessions throughout the community and with the help of neighborhood ambassadors and resident leaders.

“With patience, easy and consistent access, and ongoing information with trusted suppliers, we will continue to see these numbers increase,” Tonner said.

Back at CHEO, all is smiles for the Schulz family as they make their way to the car after the post-COVID vaccination.

“They froze his arm with a little spray,” said Tracy Schulz. “There were quite a few tears but it was definitely better than last time.”

Although he is still afraid of needles, Aiden said he was ready for his second injection scheduled for January.