Thread by @tara_kiran

Let’s prevent a junior-edition of the vaccine “hunger games”

Instead, let take a schools-based approach so every child age 5-11 has a chance at getting the #covidvaccine once approved

New oped @TorontoStar from @SabiVM @NoahIvers and I

thestar.com/opinion/contri… via @torontostar

A schools-based approach would be most EFFECTIVE

Studies estimate that uptake of the HPV vaccine was almost 4 times higher in school-based programs compared to community-based ones

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…

A schools-based approach is EFFICIENT

No wasted time booking and travelling to appointments. We are bringing vaccines to where kids are already congregating

A schools-based approach would be EQUITABLE

Getting a vaccine appointment wouldn’t depend on whether you can take time off work, are internet savvy, or speak English

Crucially, we should prioritize schools in hot spots, so vaccines go first to those who would benefit most

I’ve heard some people question the feasibility—but I think we have the human resource and logistical power. After all, we brought vaccines to long term care, retirement homes and shelters. We can do this too.

We’ll need lots of opportunities to answer questions eg using schools-based town halls and community ambassadors. We’ll also need the full support of schools and school boards eg to pre-consent

We’ll need other avenues for some families including pharmacies, primary care, and community clinics eg to ensure we can accommodate kids with special needs

But our major focus should be getting #CovidVaccines to every single school in the province. It will help get us one step closer to ending the pandemic