Vaccine Update

I am writing as many of you will have seen the news that Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 5-11 year olds. Ottawa Public Health has indicated that they are prepared to provide first doses within 4 weeks of the vaccine being authorized and distributed. More information on the OPH vaccination roll out for this age group is being posted at this link https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccination-and-children.aspx

Consistent with the OCMHA’s approach to vaccination for those 12 years of age and over - and based on current public health advice - we encourage families to get their eligible children vaccinated as soon as the clinics are available. This will further protect the safety of our players, volunteers and the community as a whole.

While a decision on mandatory vaccination for this age group has not yet been made, it is anticipated that the mandatory vaccination policy currently in place may extend to 5-11 year olds, along with consideration for appropriate deadlines for this age group to receive their first and second doses.

We will share more information as it is received. Please contact myself (president@ocmha.ca) or Matt Meagher (riskandsafety@ocmha.ca) if you have questions or concerns.

David Loehr
President, OCMHA