In a news announcement made on December 15th, Health Canada announced the approval of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for kids five years of age and older. A COVID-19 bivalent booster targets the original COVID-19 virus and provides better protection against the other variants currently circulating in the community. Flu shots can also be safely given at the same time, or at any time before or after a COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged six months and older. Find out more at ontario.ca/flu. To book your child's bivalent booster, visit the vaccination portal. Ontario is currently experiencing a surge in respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. Young kids, especially those under five years of age, are more susceptible to respiratory viruses. Hospitals are reporting higher than ever admission rates for young kids related to influenza and RSV outbreaks. Clients and families are asked to put on a mask when entering CTN sites. Service providers will continue to wear a mask for all in-person client interactions. To protect young children and other vulnerable people, CTN supports the strong recommendation to mask in indoor public settings and to keep up to date with COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for individuals over six months of age. Please participate in these activities to help prevent the spread of infection, reduce the severity of illness and support the capacity of our healthcare system to provide care.
To learn more about caring for kids with fevers and respiratory illness, click here. To learn more about keeping your family healthy and safe, read additional tips from the Ontario College of Family Physicians, click here. If you have questions or concern about your child’s health, please reach out to your family doctor, local urgent care centre or emergency department, as needed.
CTN employees and service providers will continue to wear masks when providing services to kids and youth. This will allow CTN to continue to keep our most vulnerable clients safe, protect our team from COVID-19 and will reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak impacting our ability to provide services. CTN recommends that parents/caregivers, kids and youth (where possible) wear a mask when receiving services. Kids, youth and families are welcome to wait in our waiting areas or if preferred, may wait in the car prior to your scheduled appointment. For the protection of the kids and youth we serve, their families and our employees, CTN continues to have several COVID-19 health and safety measures in place including screening, hand washing, wearing masks and enhanced cleaning protocols. CTN continues to deliver services both virtually and in person. If you have questions about your child’s appointment, please speak to your service provider or a member of the team. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommends that adults, youth and kids six months and older get their COVID-19 vaccinations. A booster shot(s) is also suggested, for those who are eligible. Appointments can be booked through the Ontario vaccine booking system. If you have questions, please visit:
The health and safety of the kids, youth, and families we serve as well as the wellbeing of employees and partners are at the centre of our planning for in-person services. Our approach to service delivery is guided by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario guidelines and is adjusted based on this guidance. CTN has the following measures in place for everyone’s safety:
Kerry's Place - (FFS) Keeping Connections for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (15 - 17) - Online
This monthly social group gives youth the opportunity to apply skills related to good sportsmanship by discussing recent social experiences, and playing collaborative games, in an informative and social atmosphere.
City of Barrie - Funnastics Preschool aged - Barrie
Sensory aware gymnasium drop-in space that gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to play and try out gymnastics in a safe and fun envoirnment.
Better Together.
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