Ontario to hold vaccination clinics around schools, allowing students to receive vaccine without parental consent

"We have made tremendous progress getting students, staff and their families vaccinated – they are critical to protecting schools and keeping our communities safe," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, according to Kawartha 411.

"As part of the last mile campaign to reach as many students and staff as possible and to keep schools as safe as possible, we are requiring school boards and public health units to roll out clinics in or close to schools. By making vaccines more accessible, and with a cautious reopening in September following the expert advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, we will further bolster our fight against COVID-19 and variants," he continued.

While the vaccine remains voluntary for eligible recipients in Ontario, health experts are strongly encouraging those people to get their vaccine to protect themselves from COVID-19 and its variants.

According to Kawartha 411, more than 69 percent of youth aged 12 to 17 have received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of August 15, and 56 percent have received a second dose.

The school-focused vaccination clinics will allow more eligible students and education staff to get vaccinated as the upcoming school year fast approaches.

"It is great news that our students are returning to school this fall, and that kids and youth will finally be together with their classmates to learn and get back to the activities they love," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Moore. "This is crucially important for their mental, physical and social wellbeing. Having vaccination clinics at our schools will make it more convenient for students to receive their vaccine in a familiar and comfortable environment and will help to ensure a safer and sustained reopening of our schools."

According to the province, parental consent will not be required for school-aged eligible children to get vaccinated.

"With respect to consent at school-focused clinics, COVID-19 vaccines will only be provided if informed consent is received from the individual, including eligible students, and as long as they have the capability to make this decision. Health care providers, the school, and families must respect a young person's decision regarding vaccination. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their children prior to attending a school vaccination clinic." said a press release from the Ontario government.

According to Kawartha 411, it is unclear whether parents will be informed of their child receiving the vaccine, which would allow them to look out for adverse side effects like the youth-impacting cases of myocarditis/pericarditis, or an inflammation of the heart muscle.

There were 423 cases of myocarditis/pericarditis reported to PHAC or Health Canada through August 6, 2021, according to the federal government.

According to the Myocarditis Foundation, "myocarditis is a disease that causes inflammation of the heart muscle. This inflammation enlarges and weakens the heart, creates scar tissue and forces it to work harder to circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body." It is the third leading cause of Sudden Death in children and young adults.