COVID-19 Vaccinations

Locations:

Byron and Victoria Family Medical Centre

 

LHSC’s Byron Family Medical Centre and Victoria Family Medical Centre are pleased to be working in collaboration with the Middlesex London Health Unit for COVID-19 vaccine administration for eligible individuals that are turning 12 in 2021, and up, in alignment with current eligibility criteria for both Pfizer and Modern vaccinations.

If you are a patient of either Byron or Victoria Family Medical Centre, contact the office directly to book an appointment for both first and second doses of Pfizer or Moderna. Based on availability and eligibility, the clinic will advise which vaccination you can receive. If you have questions about whether or not the vaccine is right for you, please contact us so that you can speak with one of our healthcare providers about this. We are committed to answering all of your questions with the available evidence. All vaccines are safe and effective.

As we are continuing to maintain a large family practice amidst our vaccine efforts, we kindly ask that you do not contact the clinic via phone if you are not currently a patient, rather access the many community vaccine hubspots in London Middlesex.

Children’s Hospital

 

Some worry about having an immunization is common, in children, youth and adults!  Being prepared, having a plan and using strategies we know work can set you up for success to receive the vaccine in your community or at a mass vaccination site! 

Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, in partnership with Middlesex-London Health Unit, is offering a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for children and youth who may benefit from extra support. The clinic is now available to families with children aged six months to seventeen years.

You or your child may benefit from the extra supports the Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic offers if any of the following are true:

  • You or your child have needle anxiety and you are behind on immunizations or avoid bloodwork 

  • You or your child have general anxiety that may require extra support

  • You or your child have behavioral needs, and may require extra time

  • You or your child sensory needs (such as low stimulation, limited people and private room)

Appointments can be booked by calling 519-685-8500, extension 56918, please choose the vaccine clinic option.  Flu shots may also be give at the same appointment, as well as other routine childhood vaccines your child may be missing if we are provided enough notice.

If you or your child would like a preparation phone call prior to arriving for your appointment, please email childrensvaccine@lhsc.on.ca.

Book your appointment today. 

Date and Time:
Wednesdays from 4:00 - 7:00 pm (Clinic will be open Tuesday December 13 in the evening)

Location:
Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Medical Day Unit
Zone B, Level 1

Preparing for your visit 

You know your child best, which gives you a key role in preparing your child for life experiences. This includes your child’s vaccination appointments.

Before the appointment, and during the appointment, it’s important for you to model relaxation skills and have a calm and positive tone with your child, at all ages and stages.

Did you know that 25% of adults have a fear of needles?  For children that number is even higher!  You are not alone. Planning before you come is key!  Below are tools for both adults and children to help you plan to help cope with the worry having a needle can bring.  

Print out or bring your coping plan with you to help our team members make your experience as comfortable as possible. 

For more information and resources, visit please visit Middlesex-London Health Unit's website. 

Other considerations for preparing for your visit:

  1. Ensure that you and your child have a snack and drink before. Being hungry or thirsty can make it hard to focus or stay calm. 

  2. Make your plan! Having a plan can help you or your child feel in control. Check out the tools above to guide planning. There are additional resources below. 

  3. Consider numbing cream. Numbing cream can be purchase at your local pharmacy.  Ask a pharmacist about proper location and application. 

  4. Bring items with you that are distracting or comforting. This could be a favourite blanket, stuffy, soother, book, tablet, are toy. Often headphones help make video/game distraction more effective!

  5. Be honest with your child – do not lie about the purpose of the visit. For children 12 and over, tell them when the appointment is made or at least two weeks prior. They are likely to have questions or want more information. This gives them time to prepare and seek out the information they need. 

During the visit:

There are different ways that science has taught us help children cope with needle procedures:  

  • Anxiety around needles is very common for children and youth, and its important they know they are not alone.

  • Taking deep breaths, using distraction or having a job (like squeezing your hand tight, naming all the colours of the rainbow, or saying a really long word) can help!

  • Avoid comparisons such as “this is the same needle we use on babies” or “the 5-year-old we had earlier didn’t make this big of a deal.” This can create shame. Instead use phrases like “You can do hard things” or “I am here with you.”

  • Provide positive encouragement and praise for things well done. Be specific.

  • Try to remain calm and confident.

  • Use of active music listening, games on a phone or fidgeting objects can be helpful.

  • Be physically close to your child. It’s often best for children to sit up in your lap if they choose. Your nurse can help ensure it’s a safe position.

  • Offer choices. Even simple things like “do you want to sit on my lap, or by yourself” can help your child feel more in control of their emotions.

Additional Resources for parents/caregivers: