Children's COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked starting Tuesday in Waterloo region

COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children aged five to 11 will be able to be booked through the Region of Waterloo's online system starting Tuesday.

The region plans to start giving doses on Friday. Officials say "a sufficient number of appointments" will be made available over the next four weeks"so children can receive their first dose of the vaccine before the holidays."

Children may also be able to get the vaccine through their family doctor or at area pharmacies.

Officials are expecting the first shipment of doses to arrive in the community in the coming days, the region said in a release on Monday.

A mass clinic isplanned for Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 where the region hopes to vaccinate6,000 children at theCambridge Pinebushfacility. A similar weekend clinic held in July helped vaccinate more than 9,500 people.

As well, the region says its working with local school boards to offer additional opportunities to get children and family members vaccinated at school.

Third doses to be put on hold after this week

The region noted it will prioritizegiving children the COVID-19 vaccine starting Nov. 27.

That means, the three regional clinicsCambridge Pinebush, The Boardwalk in Waterloo andWellesley will only be giving people first or second doses of the vaccine.

"Anyone eligible for a third dose is advised that many appointments are still available at regional vaccination clinics until this Friday," the region said.