York Region hosting 'youth friendly' vaccination clinics in Newmarket

York Region is hosting six "youth-friendly" vaccination clinics in Newmarket and across the region beginning Thursday.

The Ray Twinney Recreation Complex vaccination centre will offer bookings for children aged 12 and older and their families on Thursday, May 27, Friday, May 28, Monday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 1 from 3:30 p.m. to closing, according to York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.

An entire weekend dedicated to youth and family appointments will take place  May 29 and 30 at Ray Twinney.

The clinic will offer longer appointment time slots to better support youth needs, targeted mental health resources and an opportunity to get vaccinated together as a family, Casey said.

"Families are encouraged to book appointments together for any family member 12 years of age and older who has not yet received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine," he said.

To make an appointment for this age group, as well as all adults age 18 and older, visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine

Youth-friendly vaccination clinics will also be offered at the same date and times at the Georgina Ice Palace, Richmond Green Centre in Richmond Hill, Aaniin Community Centre in Markham, and Maple Community Centre and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital in Vaughan.

The Trisan Centre in Schomberg will offer youth-friendly clinics on May 31 and June 1 from 3:30 p.m. to closing.

Individuals 13 years of age and under require a parent or legal guardian to provide consent at the time of the vaccination. If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany their child to the appointment, they can complete and sign a consent form and send it with the child to the appointment.

Pfizer is the only vaccine authorized by the Government of Canada for those age 12 and older. Individuals must be 12 years old as of the date of their appointment.