Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) have partnered to make COVID-19 vaccination more accessible to youth, including those who have differing needs and abilities. On Tuesday, August 10, a new kind of COVID-19 vaccination clinic was launched at Children’s Hospital. The clinic operates on Tuesday evenings by appointment only. It offers vaccination to all youth between the ages of 12 and 17, and provides extra support to youth who have needle anxiety, general anxiety, behavioural needs or sensory needs.
“It’s natural for youth and adults to experience some worry about needles. Some may also find mass vaccination clinics overwhelming due to the busy environment. For youth with differing needs and abilities, accommodations can help ease the vaccination experience,” says Julie Manning, Director, COVID-19 Vaccination Centre, LHSC.
Staff at the Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic work with youth and families to support their unique needs. Serving 16 clients per evening, the clinic allows extra time for youth with behavioural needs to be vaccinated and provides a low-stimulation and private environment for those who have sensory needs. The clinic also offers tools to assist in developing a coping plan to ease anxiety. Youth and families can request a pre-appointment phone call with the vaccination team for support in developing a plan and for answers to any questions they may have.
“Having a plan in advance can help youth feel more in control and makes the experience as positive as possible,” notes Manning.
Other accommodations are also offered at mass vaccination clinics in the London and Middlesex region. Earlier this summer, LHSC and MLHU launched a parking lot vaccination program. Developed in partnership with Autism Ontario London, the program accommodates youth and adults who may benefit from being vaccinated in the familiar environment of their family vehicle, including those with autism spectrum disorder. MLHU also offers accessible indoor spaces at mass vaccination clinics, providing a variety of accommodation options.
“We appreciate that there are differing needs and abilities in every community. What works for one person may not work for the next,” says Tracey Gordon, Program Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “By offering a range of accommodations, we hope to personalize the vaccination experience to the needs of the client.”
All youth who will be turning 12 years old in 2021 and older youth are eligible to book a first dose appointment.
To book a first or second dose appointment for the Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic:
- Visit www.covidvaccinelm.ca
- Enter Gate #2 (select “I attest that I am over 12 years of age or am turning 12 years old in 2021.”), then select The Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
- Call 226-289-3560 (8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday)
- Please notify the booking agent if you wish to book at the Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
If you’re interested in more information about accommodations at a mass vaccination clinic in London or Middlesex County, please call 226-289-3560 and speak with one of our booking agents.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, including a list of upcoming walk-in Pop-Up COVID-19 vaccination clinics, in London and Middlesex County, visit www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine.
