The information provided in this newsletter is for reference only. It is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of organizations, news sources, policies or political parties, or as a comprehensive resource list. Past newsletters and COVID-19 specific tipsheets can be accessed here.
Holland Bloorview
Vaccination clinics for children ages 5 - 11
Speciality vaccine clinics for children aged 5-11 at Holland Bloorview - Dec. 10, 17
In partnership with Toronto Public Health, we are hosting specialty vaccine clinics for the children 5-11 (born in 2016 or earlier) in the community who have disabilities and/or complex care needs, on Friday, December 10th, and Friday, December 17th, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Coriat Atrium on the 1st floor. No OHIP required. The clinic is also open to siblings as well as youth aged 12-17 to receive their first or second dose.
When: Friday, December 10, 2021 and Friday, December 17, 2021 from 1 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Where: 1st floor, Coriat Atrium at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road
How: Please sign up to register for a vaccination appointment.
Who: Children and youth aged 5-17 for first and second doses.
What: This clinic is offering the only approved children’s vaccine: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (COMIRNATY)
- Fully accessible (e.g. access for mobility devices, medical equipment)
- Sensory-friendly (e.g. quiet rooms/spaces available)
- Child and family-friendly (e.g. children’s activities)
- Language translation and ASL available
- Accommodation requests taken during registration process
City of Toronto
Vaccination clinic
The City of Toronto is hosting Toronto Kids Vaccine Day at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday, December 12 from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. for children aged 5-11 (or turning five by the end of 2021). To make the mass vaccine clinic child and caregiver-friendly, it will feature giveaways, music and entertainment.
When: Sunday, December 10 from 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay Street, Toronto)
How: Appointments are required.
Appointments can be booked using the Province’s online registration system or by calling the vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007). Parents and caregivers of children without an Ontario Health Card can call the Toronto Public Health hotline at 416-338-7600 (TTY: 416-392-0658) to obtain an ID to book an Appointment.
Holland Bloorview
Covid-19 vaccine information tipsheets
Holland Bloorview has created two new tipsheets, one for kids and one for parents/caregivers to explain the vaccination process.
- Explaining COVID-19 Vaccines to Children and Youth: For families and caregivers to speak to children and youth about the COVID-19 vaccine.
- About the COVID Vaccine: For children to learn about the vaccine through videos and activities
The tip sheets are also posted on the COVID-19: Tip Sheets and Resources under the Vaccines heading.
Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
Vaccination information website
Max the Vax: Created by a team of Canadian physicians, scientists and health care providers, Max the Vax is a character developed to educate and increase vaccine confidence of children ages 5 to 11 and their caregivers. Max the Vax gathers credible information on the official website, so it’s easily available to children and caregivers in one central location. See below for some common questions and answers.
For Kids:
- Do I have to get vaccinated?
- Do I need two needles, like adults?
- Is the vaccine the same one as adults get?
For caregivers:
- I’m worried. Will the vaccine change my child’s genetics or cause infertility?
- Do I have to worry about any long-term effects of the vaccine?What about myocarditis? Pericarditis? I read this was a concern with young adults.
Upcoming Holland Bloorview events
Parent Support Network: Funding Applications - Dec 7
- Learn about different funding sources for children with disabilities, including Special Services at Home, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, Ontario Autism Program, Easter Seals Funding, Holland Bloorview's Family Support Fund and more.
- Ask questions and learn about where you can get help with forms
- Share tips and strategies on filling out funding forms
- Meet other parents and share your ideas and experiences.
- Learn about recreation, respite and life skills programs across the GTA.
- Talk to representatives from Holland Bloorview and external community organizations.
- Find out what’s being offered for you or your family member’s needs.
- Connect with other clients and families.
Research opportunities for Caregivers
University of Ottawa
Did you care for a senior living at home (or an independent living retirement home) during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario or Manitoba? Your participation in this online questionnaire is important to improve support for caregivers! You could win a $50 gift card!
- To read the consent form and reply to the questionnaire, please click
https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/caregivers_COV1 - If you have any questions or wish to answer the questionnaire by telephone, you may contact Josée Benoît: josee.benoit@uottawa.ca
York University, Toronto
A research study, "Respecting the Needs and Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Receiving and Providing Care in a Post-Pandemic World", is being conducted by Dr. Poland Lai, Assistant Professor, School of Administrative Studies, York University. Dr. Lai is looking for individuals to share their experiences with receiving care and/or providing care at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Please consider participating in an anonymous, on-line survey. The survey is open to anyone: 18 years or older, lives in Ontario, has a long-term health condition, a disability or problems related to aging.
- You can access the survey between November 24 and December 17, 2021 https://yorkisr.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVFbyoKoX4lVtEG
Queen’s University, Ottawa
Do you have a family member or close friend who is living with a disability? Researchers from Queen's University invite you to take part in a study exploring the meaning and importance of wellness for care-partners. This study will also identify care-partners current needs and concerns related to their own health and wellness.
- You may be eligible to participate if you are a family care-partner who: is at least 18 years old, currently providing at least 1 hour per day of physical, emotional, or informational support to a family member or close friend with a neurological or developmental disability and can speak English.
- Participation involves: completing a brief online background survey in English and participating in an online focus group with other care-partners.
- In appreciation of your time, you will receive $30 for participating in the study.
If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more, please email careco@queensu.ca
Holland Bloorview’s Grocery Foundation Family Resource Centre is a place where you can find information and resources on childhood disability that are helpful to you and your family. We have information on: respite, recreation, housing, funding, education, parenting and more.
All Holland Bloorview workshops and events are listed on www.hollandbloorview.ca/familyevents. Questions? Please e-mail resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca
